By: Richard L. Smith
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor announced on Friday the indictment of Mr. Richard Orlandini, a 62-year-old resident of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, on multiple charges, including aggravated arson and insurance fraud, in connection with a destructive house fire that occurred in Cherry Hill in 2018.
The indictment follows an extensive investigation by the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP), which determined that on or about October 19, 2018, Orlandini deliberately ignited a fire at his residence on Chapel Avenue West in Cherry Hill with the intention of causing substantial damage to the property and subsequently claiming insurance payouts.
Upon arrival at the scene, the Cherry Hill Fire Department found the two-story, single-family house engulfed in flames.
Firefighters battled the blaze, ultimately bringing it under control at approximately 1:25 a.m. on October 20, 2018. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, but the house was subsequently demolished due to the extensive damage.
Moreover, Orlandini's actions during the incident recklessly endangered the lives of first responders and nearby residents.
He is also alleged to have fraudulently obtained $75,000 or more through deception by claiming insurance benefits from Allstate Insurance Company, benefits to which he was purportedly not entitled, given his alleged involvement in setting the fire.
Attorney General Platkin stated, "This defendant allegedly endangered the lives of the first responders who responded to this fire, as well as his neighbors, all for his financial gain. We take these cases seriously, and we will prosecute those who commit arson and related offenses to the fullest extent of the law."
Interim Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Al Garcia emphasized, "Those who commit arson with flagrant disregard for life and property, risking the lives of others to try to get insurance proceeds, will be caught and prosecuted."
Orlandini faces charges of aggravated arson (2nd degree), insurance fraud (2nd degree), theft by deception (2nd degree), and attempted theft by deception (2nd degree). He is scheduled for arraignment on December 4, 2023, in Superior Court in Camden County.
It is essential to note that these charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, a second-degree charge carries a sentence of five to ten years in New Jersey State Prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
This indictment serves as a reminder of the severe consequences that individuals may face when involved in arson and insurance fraud cases, emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement agencies to safeguard the public and bring those responsible to justice.