Vegas Puppy Shop Owner Pleads Guilty to Arson, Fraud

A former pet shop owner has pleaded guilty to felony arson and insurance fraud in a fire at a Las Vegas pet shop where 27 puppies and dogs were rescued by firefighters earlier this year.

Court spokeswoman Mary Ann Price says Gloria Lee also pleaded guilty Monday in Clark County District Court to one charge of attempted cruelty to animals.

The plea deal will have 28 other charges against Lee dropped.

Lee was accused of trying to collect a $3,500 insurance claim for losses from the Jan. 27 fire that was doused by sprinklers at Lee’s Prince and Princess pet shop in southwest Las Vegas.

Store security video shows Lee and a man who prosecutors identify as co-defendant Kirk Bills setting the fire.

Bills is due for trial next month.