In a verdict addressing a severe domestic violence case, Bronx man Michael Williams has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for an act of arson that endangered an entire apartment building. The 57-year-old, residing on Mohegan Avenue, received his sentence following a jury's conviction on charges of arson and burglary, as reported by the Bronx District Attorney's office.
Following a contentious argument with his former partner, Williams unlawfully entered their previously shared residence on June 1, 2023, igniting a mattress and a futon, actions which according to Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, not only aimed to harm his ex-girlfriend but also placed everyone in the building in jeopardy. No injuries were sustained despite the forced evacuation of residents and significant smoke and water damage to the apartment.
Bronx Supreme Court Justice Audrey Stone handed down a concurrent sentence of 10 years for second-degree arson and five years for second-degree burglary, also mandating five years of post-release supervision. Found guilty by the jury on September 24, 2024, the case was prosecuted by Megan Leo of the Domestic Violence Bureau, under the supervision of upper echelon chiefs of the Special Victims Division, as per Bronx District Attorney's office.
Alongside the efforts of ADA Jennifer Esposito, special recognition was given by DA Clark to FDNY Fire Marshals Michael Pritchett and Thomas Boland, who played instrumental roles in the investigation, took hold of the case with due diligence.
