Sentencing In Arson Case

On August 9, 2005, rangers responded to a structure fire at one of the park’s reproduction soldier huts. The fire was subsequently ruled an arson. Within hours of the fire, protection rangers identified Carl M. Milito, Jr. as a suspect. A major investigation was begun that involved rangers, local police, local fire marshals, and ATF agents. Milito was arrested in October, 2005, on an outstanding local warrant after being spotted in the park by rangers. He was interviewed about his possible involvement in the arson while in custody. After several months of interviewing Milito about his whereabouts and involvement with the fire, he gave rangers and an ATF special agent a signed confession. In his confession, Milito said that he started the fire to retaliate against rangers for questioning him about various suspicious activity complaints and traffic offenses. On September 19th, Milito was sentenced to 33 months to be served, five years supervised release, $20,000 in restitution to Valley Forge National Historical Park, and anger management classes during his incarceration.