MAN FEDERALLY INDICTED FOR ALLEGEDLY SETTING FIRE TO MARYLAND RETAIL STORE WHILE CUSTOMERS WERE INSIDE

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND — A 37-year-old man has been federally indicted on an arson charge following a fire at a retail store in Elkton, Maryland, where prosecutors allege that he used fire and explosive materials to damage the business while customers were shopping inside.

Anthony John Rhodes, identified in the October 16, 2026, announcement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, faces a federal charge of malicious destruction of property by fire. The indictment concerns an April 29, 2026, incident that allegedly damaged the store building, merchandise, and inventory.

Federal authorities allege that Rhodes deliberately started the fire during normal business operations, creating a potentially dangerous situation for customers shopping inside the establishment. The combination of an occupied commercial building and the alleged use of incendiary materials raises serious public safety concerns beyond the financial damage sustained by the business.

The Justice Department’s announcement identifies Rhodes as a New Jersey man but also lists his residence as Short Pump. The release does not clarify the conflicting geographic information, and his precise residence has not been independently established.

According to the indictment, Rhodes maliciously damaged and destroyed property belonging to the retailer. The announcement does not identify the business, specify the type or quantity of materials allegedly used, or provide an estimate of the resulting financial losses.

Authorities also have not publicly detailed whether the incident caused injuries, required an evacuation, or resulted in damage to neighboring properties. The available information establishes the nature of the federal allegation without providing a complete reconstruction of the fire.

Federal prosecutors are pursuing the case under laws addressing malicious destruction of property by fire. Under 18 U.S.C. § 844(i), federal jurisdiction can apply when a building or other qualifying property is used in interstate or foreign commerce or in activities affecting such commerce.

The statute permits federal authorities to investigate deliberate fires involving commercial properties, including retail establishments engaged in qualifying interstate business activities. Prosecutors must establish the required elements of the offense, including malicious conduct and the property’s connection to interstate commerce.

An arson incident involving an occupied business can present substantial dangers because fire and smoke may spread before occupants recognize the emergency. Combustible merchandise, building materials, and restricted exit routes can complicate evacuation and firefighting operations. These are general hazards associated with commercial fires, not additional findings announced in Rhodes’ case.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, with assistance from the Office of the State’s Attorney for Cecil County.

ATF has specialized responsibilities involving federal arson investigations and the examination of crimes involving explosives and incendiary materials. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office investigates suspicious fires and related criminal activity within the state.

In cases involving suspected deliberate fires, investigators may examine burn patterns, recovered materials, witness accounts, surveillance recordings, and other physical evidence to determine the origin and cause of the incident. The specific evidence obtained in the Elkton investigation was not detailed in the federal announcement.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment alongside Charles Doerrer, Special Agent in Charge of ATF, and Caroll H. Spriggs II, Chief of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

Hayes acknowledged the investigative work performed by ATF and state fire authorities, along with the assistance provided by Cecil County prosecutors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victoria Liu is handling the federal prosecution.

If convicted, Rhodes faces a statutory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. Any sentence would be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, the circumstances established in court, and other applicable statutory factors.

The indictment marks the beginning of the federal prosecution rather than a determination of criminal responsibility. Prosecutors must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt before a conviction can be entered.

The case remains pending, and Rhodes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The federal proceedings will determine whether prosecutors can establish that Rhodes intentionally caused the April 2026 fire and that the alleged conduct satisfies the requirements for federal arson prosecution.

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