Gang of alleged arsonists has been busted after targeting Walmart stores

[Nevilledog]

https://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-arsons-fires-veterans-order-alabama-mississippi-2022-2

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The first accused conspirator listed in the filing is Jeffery Sikes, who is described as a federal fugitive who pled guilty to wire fraud in Nebraska but skipped town with his wife before his sentencing hearing. Other alleged conspirators include: Sikes' brother-in-law, Sean Bottorff, who disappeared with his wife around the same time; Sean Bottorff's stepson, Michael Bottorff; Michael's former classmate Quinton Olson; and Olson's older brother, Alexander, who all subsequently moved to Alabama.

The defendants have each been charged with "conspiracy to maliciously destroy by fire." Sikes and Alexander Olson face additional counts around the arsons as well.

Each arson attack featured a similar modus operandi. The attacks all occurred during business hours, when employees and shoppers were in the stores. All four incidents started when a "heavily disguised" man and woman arrived and moved around the store separately, before setting a fire and escaping. Currently, none of the women involved in the arson attacks have been named. In each incident, Michael Bottorff's minivan was spotted near the store.

The first arson took place at the Walmart on I-65 Service Road in Mobile, Alabama on May 27, 2021. Alexander Olson and an unidentified woman are accused of entering the store starting a fire by spraying a rack of men's clothing with lighter fluid and leaving accelerant-doused rags in the hardware department. Olson and another unidentified woman are also accused of committing the second arson the following day, at the Walmart located on Rangeline, Road in Mobile. Hours later, Alexander Olson allegedly obtained a TracFone at a different Walmart in Daphne, Alabama, which was then used to set up a Gmail account.

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Here's the thread from the journalist who broke the story:

Link to tweet

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. What in the world is the point of that arson?

I'm no fan of Walmart, and haven't shopped in one in perhaps 20 years, but I'm not about to try to set any of them on fire.