Attempted arson charge lands Catoosa man in prison

A Catoosa man will spend 9 months in federal prison after it was discovered that he was trying to hire someone to burn down his rental house for profit, according to the United States Attorney General's office out of Tulsa.

Christopher David Wiegers, 39 years old, was charged with attempted arson and interstate transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises.

Late last year, Wiegers pleaded guilty to the racketeering charge.

Wiegers was sentenced late last week for the attempted arson charge.

Court documents reveal that a man renting the house from Wiegers was offered between $5,000 and $8,000 to burn down the house.

"The defendant's plot to burn down his rental house could have endangered the lives of neighbors and first responders," according to U.S. District Attorney Danny Williams, Sr.

"Today's sentencing should be a warning and deterrent to others from committing acts of arson in the future.

I commend the quick actions and dedicated work by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Fire Department for thwarting the arson plot and protecting lives and the neighborhood."

After Weigers gets out of prison, he will face another 9 months of home detention, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 special monetary assessment, and a $5,000 fine.

If you have knowledge of an arson plot, please contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Arson Hotline at 1-888-ATF-BOMB or 1-888-283-2662.