Three Charged in Paid Arson at Rhode Island Apartments

Three men have been charged with federal crimes in an arson-for-profit scheme at a Providence, R.I., apartment building.

The Providence Journal reports that an indictment unsealed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Providence charged Abraham Kerkula of Pawtucket and Gbabia Kollie of Johnson City, Tenn., with single counts of conspiracy to commit arson and arson affecting interstate commerce.

A third alleged participant, Nakele Freeman of Providence was charged with the same crimes in an information filed with the court on Dec. 9.

The trio is accused of conspiring and setting fire to the occupied apartment house on Nov. 2 for $7,000.

Residents escaped unharmed.

It was not known Friday morning if the suspects are represented by lawyers. Each defendant faces up to 40 years in prison and fines totaling $250,000.