Former Owner of Kansas City Steakhouse Charged With Arson

The former owner of a popular Kansas City, Mo., steakhouse that was destroyed by fire is facing federal arson charges.

A grand jury returned a four-count indictment against 57-year-old Rodney Anderson, who was co-owner of the downtown Hereford House and the company that managed it.

An explosion and fire destroyed the landmark restaurant in October 2008. Federal prosecutors allege that Anderson hired someone to start the fire, then submitted insurance claims worth roughly $2.5 million.

Anderson is charged with arson, conspiracy to commit arson, mail fraud and using fire to commit a federal felony. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on June 22 and was released without bond.

Anderson’s attorney, J.R. Hobbs, said outside the courthouse that Anderson does not want to talk publicly about the case.