Charges Against Three in '23 Fire that Claimed Chicago Firefighter Dropped
Charges against all three men charged in connection with a 2023 fire that claimed the life of a Chicago firefighter have been dropped.
The latest move by prosecutors came last week -- days before Anthony Moore, 49, and Nicholas Virgil, 39, -- were scheduled to stand trial for the fire that killed Chicago Firefighter Jermaine Pelt.
Murder and arson charges against Martez Cristler, 24, were dropped earlier, CBS Chicago reported.
The Cook County State's Attorney's office called the case "active and ongoing."
Pelt died on April 4, 2023 died while operating in a house fire. Colleagues found his body near the hoseline.
Virgil had been charged with multiple felony counts, including murder and aggravated arson while Moore had been indicted for wire fraud, insurance fraud, forgery, and other charges, reports indicated.
Chicago Fire Department officials wrote in a statement after the charges were dropped: "We believe those responsible must be held fully accountable for their actions. We trust that the Cook County State's Attorney's Office will pursue this case with the diligence and determination it deserves and take every appropriate step to ensure justice is served. The Fire Department stands ready to provide any assistance necessary to support the successful prosecution of those responsible."
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.