Career firefighter in Prince George’s County, Maryland charged with arson. Restaurant set on fire on way to work. FF had been fired before.
A 19-year veteran of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department has been charged with setting a fire on his way to work. The fire damaged a Chinese restaurant on November 1 in the 2500 block of University Boulevard in Adelphi.
Michael D. Murphy had been assigned to Station 834 near the restaurant and responded on the call after arriving at work. Sources familiar with the investigation tell STATter 911 that Murphy had eaten at the restaurant during the shift prior to the fire and was unhappy with his experience there. At the moment the motive is considered to be revenge.
Cardboard boxes were set on fire in the rear of the building. Damage is estimated at $1000. The firehouse is less than a mile from the restaurant.
Murphy is 42-years-old and lives in Huntingtown, MD. According to sources Michael Murphy had previously been fired by the department after an investigation into credit card irregularities. Murphy won his job back after appealing the firing.
Maryland court records show the firefighter was charged with six counts of credit card misuse and fraud in October of 2003. All but one of the charges were dropped. On January 20, 2005, Michael Murphy entered a guilty plea on the charge of “Theft Scheme: $500 Plus” and was given probation.
According to a press release from PGFD Chief Spokesman Mark Brady, Michael Murphy was charged on Thursday with the following:
• 1st Degree Arson; Felony, carries a maximum penalty of $50,000 and/or 30 years in jail.
• 2nd Degree Arson; Felony, carries a maximum penalty of #30,000 and/or 20 years in jail.
• Malicious Burning; Felony, carries a maximum penalty of $5,000 and/or 5 years in jail.
Brady reports that Firefighter Murphy is currently on leave without pay. He is being held at the Prince George’s County Corrections Center with bond set at $150,000. Murphy joined the department in 1989.
Part of Maryland court record on Michael D. Murphy’s 2003 credit card misuse and fraud charges. Click here to see the entire record. Also, click here to see the online court record of Thursday’s arson arrest.
