Jorge suspected in arson attempt

Local News

January 8, 2009

Anonymous The Weatherford Democrat Thu Jan 08, 2009, 10:21 AM CST

Danie M. Huffman

wdreporter2@yahoo.com

Jorge Gomez Pinto Sr., 55, of Weatherford was taken into federal custody Wednesday evening for soliciting to commit a crime of violence, malicious intent to damage or destroy his restaurant on Santa Fe Drive by fire, according to city officials.

Pinto owns several area restaurants in Brock, Aledo and Weatherford.

The arrest came after a federal complaint was filed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Jerry Blaisdell, Weatherford City manager and acting police chief, said Pinto was under investigation for several days before the arrest.

The offense is a federal violation under title 844 I.

“We will support [the ATF] in the investigation,” Blaisdell said. “Which was conducted with enough information to garner the warrant by ATF.”

Specific details about the case were not released as of this morning.

“I wouldn’t like to make a mistaken quote,” Blaisdell said, leaving the matter to federal officials.

ATF Special Agent Tom Crowley said Pinto will make an initial appearance before a federal magistate today, at which time, the details of the complaint which can be released will be made public by the United States Attorney’s Office.

“Often times, complaints are sealed until the appearance before a magistrate,” Crowely said.

Local law enforcement worked with federal agents on the case, before they relinquished heading the operation to the ATF.

“He was very well-liked in the community,” Blaisdell said of Pinto, who was involved in numerous area organizations and activities.

“This is tragic and this is sad. We don’t know the reason behind this, if it was financial. Obviously, there was some financial [reasoning].”

Blaisdell added the source of the investigation came out of the Metroplex.

“We can’t get into that,” he said, directing further information to ATF authorities.

Crowley said it was his understanding that Pinto was trying to collect insurance money from the restaurant.

Local and federal officials agreed Pinto’s family members were currently not under investigation in relation to the case.

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