Fire Investigators Close 3 Incidents of Arson with Arrests

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Prince George's County Fire Investigators had a busy News Years Eve and Day investigating three separate incidents of Arson and associated crimes.  Each incident was closed with an arrest.  The three incidents occurred in Clinton, Temple Hills and Berwyn Heights on December 31, 2013 and January 1, 2014.  All 3 incidents are not related to each other.

On December 31, 2013, Jasmine Rebecca Swanson, DOB 7-11-1959, of Clinton, is alleged to have threatened to set her husband on fire.  There was minimal damage to the home interior in her attempt to follow through with her threat.  The incident occurred at a single family home in the 12200 block of Broken Lance Court in Clinton.

Fire Investigators charged Swanson with 1st Degree Arson, 2nd Degree Arson, Reckless Endangerment and Attempted 1st Degree Murder.  A warrant was issued and she was arrested on January 1, 2014.  She was remanded to the Department of Corrections and being held on $100,000 bond.  To view the current District Court status, click here.

Also on December 31, 2013, Donnell Kenneth Townsend, DOB 4-14-1970, of Temple Hills, is alleged to have committed Arson and Burglary in the 6500 block of Beechwood Drive, Temple Hills.

On January 1, 2014, a warrant was issued and Townsend was charged with 1st and 2nd Degree Arson and Burglary in the 1st and 4th Degree.  He was arrested and remanded to the Department of Corrections on a $100,000 bond.  To view the current District Court status, click here.

Early morning January 1, 2014, Simona Hilda Guzman-Rodriguez, DOB 12-15-1994, of Berwyn Heights, is alleged to have set a pile of clothes on fire inside of a single family home in the 5700 block of Quebec Street in Berwyn Heights.  She was arrested at the scene and charged with 1st and 2nd Degree Arson, 2nd Degree Malicious Burning and Reckless Endangerment.  She was remanded to the Department of Corrections on a $100,000 bond.  To view the current District Court status, click here.

Fire Related Charges - Maximum Penalty if found Guilty

1st Degree Arson - Felony - up to 30 years in jail.
2nd Degree Arson - Felony - up to 20 years in jail.
2nd Degree Malicious Burning - Misdemeanor - up to 18 months in jail.
Reckless Endangerment - Misdemeanor - up to 5 years in jail.