Alabama Man Federally Indicted for Arson in Connersville, Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS – A federal grand jury returned an indictment on January 19, 2022, charging an Alabama man with interstate travel for the purpose of committing a crime of violence. The indictment was unsealed today following the defendant’s arrest in Birmingham, Alabama. 

According to court documents, on or about October 28 and 29, 2021, Tommy Lee Harrison, Sr., 37, of Birmingham, Alabama, traveled from Alabama to Fayette County, Indiana, to commit arson.

Harrison is charged with one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering enterprises. The defendant will make his initial court appearance in the Northern District of Alabama before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Harrison will make his initial court appearance in the Southern District of Indiana at a later date. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

“Interstate travel to commit arson is a very serious offense that poses a significant danger to the community,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “Anyone involved in committing such crimes must be held accountable. I commend the FBI and the prosecution team for their hard work to uncover the facts in this continuing investigation.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.

U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Bradley P. Shepard, who is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.