5 Former Firefighters Indicted In Arson Case: Officials

WEST LANHAM HILLS, MD — A grand jury indicted five former firefighters in an arson case, officials announced Friday. Authorities accused the group of organizing four intentional fires in central Prince George's County between Dec. 1, 2019 and Jan. 31, 2020. Nobody was hurt during any of the blazes.

Prosecutors presented an assortment of arson, conspiracy to commit arson and misconduct in office charges. They identified the indicted men, who all face slightly different charges, as:

• Cole Vazquez (12 counts)
• George Smith (15 counts)
• Jay St. John (13 counts)
• Jeremy Hawkins (14 counts)
• Nicholas Holzberger (10 counts)

Each first responder was a member of the West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Department, officials noted. Leaders stated that they immediately revoked their membership when they heard the accusations against them.

Authorities alleged that the group conspired with these civilians to set the vacant houses on fire:

• Giancarolo Reyes
• Francis Ortiz Oro
• Christopher Morales

Prosecutors informed that the blazes were all set when the firefighters were on duty, meaning the first responders were available to fan the flames.

Officials did not mention a potential motive. They did indicate that Reyes and Oro were friends who both applied to the West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Department.

Authorities explained Reyes was denied in January 2019, and Oro never finished his application. The prosecution advised that the department still let the two hang out around the station, however.

Reyes and Oro were arrested shortly after the last blaze, officials shared. The investigation then pointed to the accused firefighters, authorities detailed. Prosecutors disclosed that they executed more than 60 search warrants.

Hawkins was the only firefighter who was arrested so far, officials reported. Authorities revealed that he is being held on $50,000 bail, whereas his crewmates only have criminal summons.

Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy commended the majority of firefighters who serve responsibly.

"They perform their duty with honor," Braveboy said at a press conference. "When they violate that oath, we have to take action."

These are all allegations that prosecutors have made. The defendants are innocent unless proven guilty.

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