A Rockford man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly destroying a building using fire and explosive materials. The incident occurred at 201 15th Ave. in Rockford on January 22, 2023.
James Purifoy, aged 50, faces charges of arson according to the indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Rockford. An arraignment date has not yet been set.
The announcement of the indictment was made by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Both the Rockford Fire Department and Rockford Police Department contributed to the investigation efforts. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Maveus is representing the government in this case.
It is important to note that an indictment consists only of charges and does not serve as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a fair trial where the government bears this burden. The charge carries a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if convicted. Any sentence imposed must be reasonable under federal sentencing statutes and advisory guidelines.