Categories: Chicago

Man Charged for Allegedly Setting a Retail Business on Fire

On Thursday, a Rockford man was arrested on a federal arson charge for allegedly setting fire to a local retail business. On Jan. 12, 2021, 20-year-old Sean Cardenas was indicted by a federal grand jury in Rockford. He was indicted on one count of maliciously damaging and destroying, and attempting to damage and destroy, using fire, a building at 6260 E. State St. in Rockford.

The alleged arson occurred on May 30, 2020. Cardenas appeared before U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger on Thursday afternoon. He pleaded not guilty. A detention hearing is set for January 19, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. He is ordered to remain in federal custody. John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Kristen deTineo, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives announced the indictment and arrest.

The Rockford Police Department and Rockford Fire Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Maveus is representing the government. The charge holds a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years, in addition to a fine of up to $250,000.

Deborah Pevy

Guest Writer

Recent Posts

Chicago City Council Advances Urban Plan, Supports Veterans

On June 18, 2025, the Chicago City Council approved a series of planning, development, and business support measures during its…

1 day ago

Free Jacks Host Chicago Hounds in 2025 MLR Eastern Conference Final Rematch

Two of Major League Rugby’s top contenders are set for a high-stakes showdown this Saturday in the 2025 Eastern Conference…

1 day ago

Boyd Healthcare Offers Free School and Sports Physicals June 30–July 3 Across Rural Clinics

As families gear up for the 2025–2026 academic year, Boyd Healthcare is offering free school and sports physicals from June…

1 day ago

Second Death Reported After Elevidys Gene Therapy; FDA and Sarepta Investigating

A second patient has died following treatment with Elevidys, the only FDA-approved gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Sarepta…

2 days ago

Cook County Home Prices Rise 7.5% in April 2025 Amid Slower Sales

Home prices in Cook County continued their upward trend in April 2025, reaching a median of $330,000, according to new…

2 days ago

Art Institute of Chicago to Debut Landmark Exhibit of Modern Works from the Stenn Family Collection

This summer, the Art Institute of Chicago will present Contemporary Drawings from the Stenn Family Collection, an ambitious exhibition that…

3 days ago