Huntingdon Valley Man Sentenced for Burning Down Business

Michael Giamo, 31, of Huntingdon Valley, was sentenced late last week to 16 years for conspiring to burn down his Philadelphia-based auto repair shop, One Source Motors, in May 2010.

From the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives website:

On March 1, a federal jury found Giamo guilty of mail fraud, conspiracy to use fire to commit mail fraud, using fire to commit mail fraud, maliciously damaging or destroying by fire a building used in interstate commerce, false statements to federal investigators, and obstruction of justice.

Giamo conspired with another individual (charged elsewhere) to burn down the business in order to collect the insurance proceeds. In the aftermath of the fire, Giamo collected more than $127,000 in insurance proceeds, lied to investigators and attempted to destroy incriminating records. The co–conspirator, Isael Kniestedt, pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and was sentenced in August to 90 months in prison.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Michael M. Baylson ordered Giamo to pay restitution in excess of $200,000.

“Arson for profit is an egregious crime that calls for serious punishment,” said Memeger. “As illustrated at trial, this defendant also obstructed justice by destroying evidence during the investigation. This sentence should send the message that those who engage in this serious and extremely dangerous criminal conduct will face substantial prison terms.”

“ATF considers the act of arson to be a violent crime. Intentionally set fires have the potential for significant property damage and can lead to the loss of life”, said Mixell. “We will aggressively target arsonists, and those who profit from the crime, for federal prosecution.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark B. Dubnoff prosecuted the case.