Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
St. Louis County Man Indicted on Attempted Arson Charge
St. Louis, MO – Antonio Whiteside, 26, St. Louis County was indicted in connection with the attempted arson of the Ferguson Supermarket, Inc. on November 24, 2014.
Whiteside was indicted by a federal grand jury February 11th on one felony count of attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and/or explosive materials. Whiteside was taken in to custody late Thursday evening.
“The St. Louis County Bomb and Arson Unit and agents with ATF have been working on multiple criminal investigations in the aftermath of the Ferguson rioting. This indictment is but one result of that collaboration, which is an ongoing effort and I expect will produce additional indictments at both the state and federal level,” said U.S. Attorney Richard Callahan.
If convicted, this charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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