Jason Mattis, a 51-year-old resident of Philadelphia, was sentenced to a 10-year prison term followed by three years of supervised release for his role in starting a fire using a destructive device. United States Attorney David Metcalf announced the sentencing carried out by United States District Court Judge Gerald J. Pappert. Mattis was convicted of possessing an unregistered destructive device.
In July 2022, Mattis employed an incendiary device akin to a Molotov cocktail to ignite a fire on a porch in the Tacony section of Northeast Philadelphia. The blaze extended to the sidewalk and street. At the time, the residence’s occupants were inside the home. Investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed the device's classification as an incendiary bomb under federal law.
At the time of the offense, Mattis was on state parole for an attempted murder conviction. United States Attorney Metcalf emphasized the severity of the crime, highlighting Mattis' extensive criminal record. "It's tough to understate the seriousness of a crime like this, which put the victims, their home, and their neighborhood at risk," Metcalf stated. "As his lengthy criminal history shows, Jason Mattis lacks respect for both the law and other people. This sentence keeps him behind bars for years and the public is safer for it."
Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF's Philadelphia Field Division, remarked on the gravity of arson and recognized the role of the ATF-led Philadelphia Arson and Explosives Task Force in enhancing public safety. "Arson is a serious, dangerous and often deadly crime. Using the combined capabilities of the ATF-led Philadelphia Arson and Explosives Task Force with the Philadelphia Fire and Police Departments, we will continue to seek justice and keep our communities safe from dangerous arsonists," DeGree said.
Also expressing gratitude for the concerted efforts of the investigative agencies, Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey W. Thompson commended the effective cooperation among the Fire Marshal’s Office, Philadelphia Police Department, and ATF. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel reiterated the commitment to ensuring accountability, stating, "The thorough investigation by our officers, alongside our federal partners and the Philadelphia Fire Department, demonstrates our absolute commitment to holding individuals like Mr. Mattis accountable for violent crimes."
Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Eckert is prosecuting the case, which involved collaboration among the ATF’s Arson and Explosives Task Force, the Philadelphia Fire Department, and the Philadelphia Police Department.