Atahualpa Rodriguez, a resident of Flushing, Queens, has pleaded guilty to arson charges in federal court in Brooklyn. The charges stem from an incident where Rodriguez set fire to an apartment building in Flushing. United States District Judge Allyne R. Ross presided over the proceedings. Rodriguez could face a sentence ranging from five to 20 years in prison.
The announcement was made by Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, along with Robert S. Tucker, Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
"Today, the defendant admitted that he deliberately set fire to an apartment building in the pre-dawn darkness while many tenants slept," said United States Attorney Peace. He noted that Rodriguez's actions showed "complete disregard for human life."
FDNY Commissioner Tucker remarked on the severity of the crime: "Deliberately setting a fire is an egregious crime that deserves severe punishment." He also expressed relief that Rodriguez will no longer be free to pose a threat.
NYPD Commissioner Tisch emphasized the danger posed by such criminal acts: "Deliberate criminal activity...poses a significant threat to both first responders and private citizens." She praised FDNY firefighters for their dedication and thanked legal partners for their efforts.
The case details reveal that on January 11, 2022, Rodriguez had a dispute with tenants of one unit in the building. On January 12, he attacked the multi-story building on Parsons Boulevard with approximately 175 units at around 4:40 a.m. A resident heard breaking glass and saw flames ignited by Rodriguez. Three firefighters were injured during their response to the blaze.
Assistant United States Attorney Adam Amir is leading the prosecution.