Miles Andrew Caldwell has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for setting fires at two fitness centers in Little Rock, Arkansas. The sentence was announced by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and delivered by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr.
The incidents occurred on November 16, 2023. Caldwell started fires at the Little Rock Athletic Club and later at 10 Fitness on North Rodney Parham Road. At the first location, he set fire to paper towel dispensers and a trash receptacle in the men’s restrooms on both floors. The fire caused smoke to fill areas near a daycare center inside the club.
Later that day, Caldwell ignited a fire in a toilet paper dispenser at 10 Fitness. Firefighters responded after smoke was detected between the gym and restroom areas.
Security footage from both locations helped identify Caldwell as the suspect. He was arrested on November 20, 2023, and indicted by a federal grand jury on December 5, 2023. Caldwell pleaded guilty to one count of arson related to the incident at Little Rock Athletic Club.
In addition to his prison term, Judge Moody sentenced Caldwell to three years of supervised release following his incarceration. There is no parole available in the federal system.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from local law enforcement agencies such as the Little Rock Fire Department and Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary prosecuted the case.
