Rhode Island Landlord Sentenced in Arson-for-Profit Scheme

A Providence, Rhode Island, landlord will serve three and a half years in federal prison for starting a fire at a vacant apartment in an otherwise occupied multi-family home in an attempt to collect insurance money.

Fifty-two-year-old Rony Metellus pleaded guilty in August to insurance fraud.

Prosecutors say Metellus drove to his building on Admiral Street around 3:30 a.m. on July 23 and set the fire.

Officials say three adults and three children were living on the first floor of the home, which suffered extensive damaged. The second and third floors were unoccupied.

Records show that Metellus filed a claim with insurer Lloyd’s of London after the blaze. An investigation by the Providence Fire Department’s Arson Squad determined the fire was intentionally set.