Former MD Firefighter Accused of Setting Fires Gets Suspended Sentence

A former Maryland volunteer firefighter accused with others to set fire to vacant houses has received a suspended sentence.

Jeremy Hawkins, a former member of West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Co., conspired with other firefighters and civilians to set fires in 2019 and 2020, according to a release from the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office.

He received a sentence of 15 years each on two counts against him, but the judge suspended all but time-served. Hawkins will be on supervised probation for three years and will be required to log 120 hours of community service, WTOP reported. 

Hawkins conspired with fellow firefighters — Jay St. John, Cole Vazquez, George Smith and Nicholas Holzberger — along with two civilians, Giancarolo Reyes and Francis Ortiz Oro, the station reported. 

The fires were set between Dec. 1, 2019 and Jan. 31, 2020 in areas where the volunteer fire department would lead the response, and at a time when Hawkins and the other firefighters would be on duty. No one was injured. 

Hawkins was indicted on 14 counts, including first-degree arson and multiple conspiracy to commit first-degree arson and misconduct in office charges.

State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said in a statement: "Our first responders are tasked with protecting us; therefore, to have them conspire to do otherwise unconscionable. I am pleased that the former volunteer firefighters and the civilians in this case have taken responsibility and will face the consequences of their actions. This kind of case can destroy the public’s trust; however, I know that the majority of our firefighters are committed, care about this community and are on the job every day to keep our residents safe.”

The four other firefighters involved in the conspiracy were already sentenced, and all of them have been banned from being involved in fire suppression activities.