U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney
District of Maine

100 Middle Street
6th Floor, East Tower
Portland, ME 04101

(207) 780-3257

TTY: (207) 780-3060

Fax: (207) 780-3304

www.justice.gov/usao/me

For Immediate Release

June 3, 2009

York Man Sentenced on Federal Firearm Charge

Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Paula D. Silsby announced that a federal judge sitting in Portland today sentenced Patrick Simpson, age 41 of York, Maine, to serve 5 years in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for arson and illegal possession of firearms.

According to court documents, Simpson intentionally started a fire in Shelton’s gift and clothing store in York, Maine on January 16, 2007. The fire, which was quickly contained, caused approximately $32,000 worth of damage. No one was injured in the fire. Court records reflect that Simpson, who leased the business premises, had increased the amount of insurance coverage shortly before the fire. Court records also reflect that York police officers seized two handguns and a large amount of ammunition from Simpson’s home on March 12, 2007. At that time, Simpson was prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition because he had previously been committed to a mental health hospital.

United States Attorney Silsby said that the investigation of this case was conducted by the York Police and Fire Departments, the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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