A fire that erupted at a Swampscott condominium last week has led to arson charges against a tenant, officials said. Leda Nery, 41, was arrested in connection with the blaze that tore through a storage unit at 1 Loring Ave. on the early morning of October 3, confirmed Swampscott Police Chief Ruben Quesada along with Swampscott Fire Chief Graham F. Archer and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.
An investigation involving multiple agencies including the Swampscott Fire Department, Swampscott Police detectives, and State Police fire investigators from the State Fire Marshal's office followed the incident which, according to authorities, could have had catastrophic consequences, "An early morning fire in a multi-unit residential building is a recipe for disaster," Chief Archer stated, and adding, "We’re extremely fortunate that the building’s fire alarm and sprinkler system activated and limited the damage. I want to recognize the local and state partnership that allowed us to identify and charge a suspect in this serious offense," in a crisis that saw local and state forces combine to pinpoint and prosecute the alleged perpetrator, as reported by Mass.gov News.
Following the issuance of a warrant out of Lynn District Court, which came through yesterday, the charges against Nery include arson of a dwelling; the evidence underlying the charge results from what has been characterized as a collaborative investigative effort, as explained in a statement obtained by Mass.gov News.
Nery's arraignment is set for tomorrow in Lynn District Court, where details of the case will be revealed. He will formally face charges of intentionally starting a dangerous fire that could have endangered residents of a multi-story building.
