Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

BUFFALO, N.Y.—Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today Michael Fijal, 64, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit arson, was sentenced to 12 months home detention by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $119,312.05.

 

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, in May 2011, Fijal, a local bank employee, conspired with others to burn down a duplex at 179 Mackinaw Street, which is located in Buffalo's Old First Ward neighborhood. The defendant withdrew money from a local bank for the purpose of paying an accomplice to burn the building and paying the accomplice both before and after the fire on May 22, 2011. 

 

The sentencing is the result of investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division; and Investigators with the Buffalo Fire Department.