DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Northern District of Ohio

For Immediate Release

Thursday, August 11, 2022
Michelle M. Baeppler
, United States Attorney

Parma Man Charged With Conspiracy to Commit Arson During May 30, 2020, Demonstrations and Unrest in Downtown Cleveland

A Parma man has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit arson related to the destruction of a parking booth during the May 30, 2020, demonstrations and civil unrest in downtown Cleveland.

According to the indictment, Seth Calig, 49, and others known and unknown are accused of setting fire to the Shaia & PPR parking booth located on West 3rd Street on May 30, 2020. It is alleged that the defendant and others gathered around the parking booth and that the defendant ignited a roll of paper towels and cardboard with a lighter and placed it inside the booth. As a result, it is alleged that Calig and others caused physical damage to the parking booth.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offenses and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum; in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Cleveland Division of Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly L. Galvin.

Columbus Field Division