Maryland State Fire Marshal

News Release
Martin OMalley Governor William E. Barnard State Fire Marshal

THREE ADULTS CHARGED WITH ARSON

CHARLES COUNTY, MARYLAND (January 11, 2012) An ongoing investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshals Office has resulted in the arrest of three adults. Ronald Perry (28), Nira Monk (29) and Ashanti Gregory (22) have all been charged with Arson, Second Degree. The fire occurred on Sunday, January 8, 2012 in the area of 3030 Baptist Church Road in Nanjemoy, Charles County. Investigators found a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix destroyed by a fire in an open field. The fire was determined to be intentionally set, and the investigation revealed the three suspects conspired to abandon and burn the car with the intent to defraud the insurance company. Ronald Perry was located a short distance from the fire by the Charles County Sheriffs Office and subsequently charged on Sunday, January 8, 2012. Perry was taken to the Charles County Detention Center and has since been released on bond. Nira Monk and Ashanti Gregory were taken into custody at the Maryland State Police, Forestville Barrack on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 without incident. Monk and Gregory are awaiting their bond hearing at the Charles County Detention Center.

### Media contact: Caryn L. McMahon, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 240-435-0804
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: www.firemarshal.state.md.us and/or follow us on Facebook under Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208

1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208