A hung jury has lead the judge in the case against Anthony Degroot to declare a mistrial. Degroot was facing felony charges relating to allegedly starting a fire at the Armed Forces Recruitment Center, located at Upfront Plaza, back in 2013.
Evidence collected at the scene suggested that the fire was started by someone having intimate knowledge of the facility. Degroot, who worked as a Marine recruiter at the center, claimed that he was attacked before escaping the fire.
A a police affidavit mentioned that a man witnessed DeGroot, wrapped in duct tape, exit the building and fall to the ground. During the investigation, Police discovered a roll of duct tape in DeGroot’s desk that matched the type wrapped around DeGroot. As well, one of the fires had been set inside DeGroot’s locker and another at his desk.
The case is now in the hands of the U.S. Attorney to determine whether the charges will be pursued further.
Read more:
