Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

TULSA, OKLAHOMA— A Catoosa man was sentenced in Federal court today for a crime involving a plot to burn down his rental house for profit, announced United States Attorney Danny C. Williams Sr. for the Northern District of Oklahoma.

Christopher David Wiegers, 39, of Catoosa, Oklahoma, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell to serve 9 months in federal prison, to be followed by 9 months of home detention, 3 years of supervised release, a $5,000 fine, and $100 Special Monetary Assessment. 

“The defendant’s plot to burn down his rental house could have endangered the lives of neighbors and first responders,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Today’s sentencing should be a warning and deterrent to others from committing acts of arson in the future. I commend the quick actions and dedicated work by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Fire Department for thwarting the arson plot and protecting lives and the neighborhood.”

According to court documents, in early August of 2013, a man renting the house from Wiegers informed investigators that Wiegers had offered to pay between $5,000 and $8,000 to burn down the house. On September 5, 2013, Wiegers was indicted on charges of attempted arson (Count 1) and interstate transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises (Count 2). On October 18, 2013, Wiegers pleaded guilty to Count 2.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Tulsa Fire Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Gallant prosecuted on behalf of the United States.

If you have knowledge of an arson plot, contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Arson Hotline at 1-888-ATF-BOMB or 1-888-283-2662.

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