Ex-Cherry Hill Man Indicted For Arson After Destroying Home For Insurance Proceeds: AG

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Five years after a fire destroyed a Cherry Hill home, a man has been indicted for arson and insurance fraud.

Richard Orlandini intentionally set his Chapel Avenue West home ablaze in October 2018, authorities announced Friday. He then collected at least $75,000 in insurance proceeds, according to the state Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

A state grand jury indicted Orlandini on the charges of aggravated arson, insurance fraud, theft by deception and attempted theft by deception — all second-degree offenses.

Orlandini — who now lives in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania — is scheduled for arraignment Dec. 4 at Camden County Superior Court.

The two-story, single-family home was "well-involved" in flames before first responders placed the fire under control, the OAG said. The house was subsequently demolished.

No injuries were reported.

Orlandini then obtained proceeds under a homeowner's insurance policy from Allstate Insurance Company, the OAG said.

"This defendant allegedly endangered the lives of the first responders who responded to this fire, as well as his neighbors, all for his financial gain," said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. "We take these cases seriously, and we will prosecute those who commit arson and related offenses to the fullest extent of the law."

If convicted, second-degree offenses carry a sentence of 5-10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $150,000.