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December
3, 2002
Sting Operation
Solves Williamsburg Arson
& Results in Felony Charges for Three Norfolk Men
CHESAPEAKE,
VA – An investigation and sting operation by the
Virginia State Police Insurance Fraud Division (IFD)
led to this morning’s arrest of two Norfolk men
for a Williamsburg arson. The men and a third accomplice
also face charges of conspiracy and attempt to obtain
money under false pretense.
The fire occurred at approximately 4 a.m. on Aug. 23, 2002, on Pocahontas Street in Williamsburg. A 1997 four-door Volkswagen had been parked on the street, doused with gasoline and set on fire. The car was a total loss. The Volkswagen belonged to Mark A. Churchill, 23, of Norfolk. When his car began having mechanical problems, Churchill devised a plan to get rid of it. For several hundred dollars, Churchill arranged for his friend Raymond Muniz, 22, to take the car on Aug. 23, 2002, while it was parked at Churchill’s Norfolk residence. Muniz, accompanied by Julio Bucio, 23, drove the car to Pocahontas Street and set it on fire. Meanwhile, Churchill reported the car stolen and submitted a claim for the damages once it was found in Williamsburg. Investigators with Nationwide Insurance contacted the State Police IFD to help investigate the suspicious claim. When it came time for Churchill to pay Muniz for his participation, the IFD Chesapeake Office conducted a sting operation and recorded the exchange. The investigation resulted in felony charges for all three men. Muniz and Bucio were arrested in Norfolk this morning on arson charges. The two men were released on their own recognizance. Muniz had already been arrested following the Oct. 1, 2002, sting operation on charges of attempting to obtain money under false pretense and conspiring to commit a felony. Within days, arrest warrants were obtained in Norfolk for Churchill on the same two charges. If convicted,
Churchill could face a penalty of up to 20 years in
jail and/or a fine. Each arson count carries a maximum
penalty of five years in jail.
Raymond Muniz, 22, of Norfolk, Va.
Julio Bucio, 22, of Norfolk, Va.
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