Maryland State Fire Marshal

News Release
Martin OMalley Governor William E. Barnard State Fire Marshal

LEONARDTOWN WOMAN SERVED CRIMINAL SUMMONS FOR ARSON FRAUD

ST. MARYS COUNTY (September 27, 2012) Investigators from the State Fire Marshals Office served a criminal summons on the owner of the property located at 41990 Domitilla Court in Leonardtown, Maryland. The investigation into the 10:39 a.m. dwelling fire on April 6, 2012 revealed that Erica L. Pohnel (33) was responsible for intentionally setting a fire in the first floor bedroom that extended into the second floor of the home and caused an estimated $300,000 in damages to the structure and contents. No injuries were reported during the incident. Pohnel was served a criminal summons at her place of employment today at 1:30 p.m. She was charged with 1st Degree Arson and Burning with Intent to Defraud. If convicted of the charges, Pohnel faces penalties of up to 55 years imprisonment and/or $35,000 in fines. A preliminary court date has been set for November 6, 2012. ### Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 443-324-6876
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: www.mdsp.org/firemarshal and/or http://facebook.com/MarylandStateFireMarshal.

1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208