A 25-year-old man from Parrish, Kendarius Devonta Stitten, faces federal arson charges for allegedly setting fire to a rental van parked at a Bradenton motel on March 20, as per the indictment returned by the office of the United States Attorney. If found guilty, Stitten could be looking at a prison term ranging from 5 to 20 years, the Department of Justice reports.
Highlighting the gravity of the charge, United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe revealed that the government is also seeking forfeiture of assets linked to the proceeds of the crime, this prosecution stems from a joint investigation effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations, and Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, maximizing resources to ensure accountability and the law's reach.
An indictment does not mean someone is guilty, as every defendant is presumed innocent until proven otherwise. However, the charges highlight the federal government’s strong commitment to enforcing the Anti-Arson Act. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam W. McCall is preparing to prosecute the case, and while justice may move slowly, it is thorough. The community watches closely in response to this act of deliberate destruction.
