A Leonardtown man could potentially spend the next 45 years in a state penitentiary following a harrowing incident that left a local motel in ruins and several of its guests injured. Anthony Cleaver Mason, 65, has been convicted of assault, arson, and reckless endangerment after authorities say he sparked the fire at a Super 8 Motel in California, Maryland, leading to more than $750,000 in damage, WUSA9 reported.
The blaze erupted on June 3, 2024; the event began with Mason barricading himself inside a room on the third floor after assaulting someone, then deliberately setting the room ablaze, which caused injuries to several motel guests and the loss of their possessions. Firefighters from various departments, upon arrival, tackled the rapidly spreading fire while deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office activated fire alarms and assisted in evacuating the building. As per an account by the Southern Maryland Chronicle, the Maryland State Fire Marshal led the investigation, concluding that Mason had intentionally set the fire.
Mason, currently held without bond, awaits sentencing. Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Alena Moiser and Donna Pettersen led the prosecution on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County, with the Honorable Amy Lorenzini presiding over the case.
