A man has been arrested and charged with arson after allegedly setting the Almaden Valley United States Post Office on fire in San Jose. In a statement released by the U.S. Attorney's Office, 44-year-old Richard Tillman now faces federal charges for the destruction he caused last Sunday morning.
Per the criminal complaint, it's reported that Tillman purchased "instalogs" and lighter fluid, drove to the post office, and, after backing his vehicle into the lobby, doused the logs with fluid and started the blaze. In the midst of the flame’s heat, which became too intense, Tillman attempted to spray paint the words “Viva La Me” on the building exterior, which was left unfinished.
The post office suffered significant damage due to the fire. Thankfully, the San Jose Fire Department and the San Police Department responded promptly. Following the incident, Tillman allegedly confessed to setting the fire as a political statement and claimed to have livestreamed it on YouTube.
In response to the arson, United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and other law enforcement officials, including personnel from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, issued a joint announcement. Tillman, remaining in custody, is slated to appear in district court on Aug. 6 for a status conference, with potential sentences for his charge that can reach up to 20 years in prison according to federal law.
The Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Pitman is heading the case, asserting a maximum fine of $250,000 for the felony charge. The outcome against Tillman will ultimately be determined by the courts, considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Although charged, Tillman maintains the presumption of innocence until and unless proven guilty.
