Two Dorchester County men have been arrested and charged with multiple arson-related offenses following an investigation into a fire earlier this month. Paul Ellwood, 43, and Edwin Krell, 46, were taken into custody by Deputy State Fire Marshals after authorities determined they intentionally set fire to a duck blind in Hoopersville, causing $2,000 in damages. The fire, which occurred at Bluff Point, also spread to nearby marshland before being contained by the Hoopers Island Volunteer Fire Department.
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The fire department responded to the scene with five firefighters, bringing the fire under control within 32 minutes. Following an investigation, officials identified Ellwood and Krell as suspects and obtained arrest warrants. The two were apprehended without incident on Smithville Road in Taylor’s Island while driving a Dodge Caravan. They were processed at the Dorchester County Detention Center, where a Court Commissioner granted their release on a $5,000 bond.
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Ellwood and Krell have been charged with second-degree arson, conspiracy to commit arson, first- and second-degree malicious burning, and reckless endangerment. If convicted on all counts, they could face up to 44 years in prison and fines totaling $51,000.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office
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