A jury in southern Illinois has found Evette B. Osuegbu guilty of conspiring to commit arson on properties in East St. Louis, Illinois, and Florissant, Missouri, as well as setting fire to an apartment in St. Louis for insurance benefits.
Osuegbu, 62, was convicted on multiple charges including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit arson, and use of fire to commit a federal felony. Her sentencing is set for April 23, 2025.
Her co-defendant Rufis A. Jefferson, 47, from Venice, had pleaded guilty earlier this year and is awaiting sentencing on February 6, 2025.
"The pair are guilty of conspiring together to commit arson to collect fraudulent insurance benefits," stated U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. "I appreciate ATF’s efforts to lead an extensive investigation to bring these perpetrators to justice."
Court documents revealed that Osuegbu and Jefferson admitted their plan involved setting Osuegbu's apartment on fire on December 31, 2022. Following the incident, Osuegbu claimed approximately $30,000 from her insurance company.
Recordings also captured discussions between Osuegbu and Jefferson about burning additional buildings in Granite City and Venice; however, these plans were not executed.
"Arson is a dangerous act of violence," said Bernard Hansen of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). "This conviction sends the message that it will not be tolerated."
The case was investigated by ATF with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Burke and Peter Reed.
Convictions for conspiracy to commit arson can result in up to 20 years' imprisonment.