PLEA AGREEMENT REACHED IN FRIENDLY FOOD STORE FIRE

SALISBURY MARYLAND - Court proceedings have concluded in an arson which occurred at the Friendly Food Store located at 900 N. Salisbury Blvd in Salisbury. The fire investigation revealed the business at that address, Friendly Food Store, was intentionally set on fire. Investigators determined an ignitable liquid was used to start a fire in multiple locations. The investigation resulted in the arrest of three suspects which all have now been convicted in Wicomico County Circuit Court.

Mohammad Adeel (39), owner of the Friendly Food Store, plead guilty to 2nd Degree Arson and received a 15 year sentence with all but 15 months suspended.

Timothy E. DeMent (42), plead guilty to 2nd Degree Arson and received a 15 year sentence with all but 15 months suspended.

Mayank R. Kothari (37), plead guilty to Conspiracy to Commit 2nd Degree Arson and received a 15 year sentence with all but 15 months suspended.

Upon release all three will continue to serve 3 years of supervised probation.

The fire was originally dispatched on June 16, 2017 around 12:32 am after a passerby called 911. Upon arrival of the fire department, a small smoldering fire was discovered inside of the establishment. Approximately 17 firefighters from Salisbury Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire within 10 minutes. The fire caused approximately $600 in damages to the building, which is a multi-use business center. The owner of the building, and victim, was identified as Sajjad Shah.