Two Plead Guilty to Attempted Arson

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – (August 2, 2023) – On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, Shelia Ann Rivera and Tamien Tishon Arrington plead guilty to Attempted Arson. The case brought against them by the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's Office was a result of an investigation by members of the Virginia Beach Fire Department's Fire Marshal's Office.

The investigation revealed that on May 23, 2023, at approximately 23:48:00 Virginia Beach 911 was called regarding a report of smoke in an apartment building at Lynnhaven Landing Apartments. When fire crews arrived at 352 Fernwood Court, they discovered smoke inside of the leasing office, and ash and smoldering paper inside of the drop box of the door to the leasing office. Evidence obtained by Fire Investigators along with witness statements was enough to identify the suspects and secure warrants. On May 25, 2023, Rivera and Arrington were charged with Attempted Arson of an Occupied Dwelling in violation of Virginia Code Section(s) 18.2-77(A,i). They pled guilty to the charges and were sentenced to three years, with two years and 10 months suspended pending terms and conditions set by the court.