UPDATE: Federalsburg business owner enters plea for 2011 fire charges

A Federalsburg business owner has pleaded guilty to charges, after he burnt down his mini-mart in July 2011.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says on Monday, 62-year-old Gary Greenwood pleaded guilty to 1st degree malicious burning, and false misleading information.

After a three and a half year investigation, Greenwood, and his wife, were charged in the July 1, 2011 four alarm blaze at the Stop & Go Mini-Mart and gas station at 521 & 523 South Main Street, in Federalsburg. The early morning fire heavily damaged the two structures, but didn’t hit the gas pumps or fuel tanks. Seventy five firefighters from 8 companies need an hour and a half to control the flames. Damages were estimated at $400,000.

Greenwood and his wife, Holly Greenwood, were both charged following the lengthy investigation. Gary Greenwood was initially charged with arson 2nd degree, malicious burning 1st degree, malicious burning fraud, theft scheme, and false/misleading information, while Holly Greenwood was initially charged with false/misleading information.

Following his plea, Gary Greenwood was sentenced to five years in prison with all but 18 months suspended for the malicious burning charge, and ten years with all ten years suspended for the misleading information charge. This means he is expected to spend 18 months behind bars. He will also be on supervised probation for five years, and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to the insurance company, along with $178.50 in court costs.

The charges against Holly Greenwood have apparently been placed on the Stet docket, rendering the case inactive at this time.