Man Admits Arranging Maryland Arson

Federal authorities say an Owings Mills man has pleaded guilty to charges he hired someone to set fire to his home because he was behind on his mortgage payments.

Forty-one-year-old Keith McMahon pleaded guilty Tuesday to an arson charge in connection with the fire Jan. 29 on Caves Road. A firefighter was injured fighting the blaze.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says McMahon admitted that he offered someone $10,000 to burn the house to ground. According to the criminal complaint, McMahon, who had an office in his home, was having financial difficulties. He collected insurance money from the fire.

Under the plea agreement, McMahon will face a sentence of seven years in prison.

Sentencing is set for Oct. 10.