Former Turkey Leg Hut owner indicted for arson

HOUSTON – A 42-year-old Houston man has been taken into custody on charges of conspiracy to commit arson of a commercial building and conspiracy to use an interstate facility to commit arson of a vehicle, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Lyndell “Lynn” Price, former owner of the Turkey Leg Hut who now owns The Oyster Hut, is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo at 2 p.m. Also in custody and set to appear are Armani Williams, 27, and John Lee Price, 39, both also of Houston.

The indictment, returned April 8 and unsealed upon the arrests, alleges Price and others conspired to set fire to Bar 5015. The charges allege the owner of that bar was a former co-owner of the Turkey Leg Hut and Price’s business partner. 

In early June 12, 2020, Price had allegedly recruited a group which included Williams, John Price and others. The charges allege Williams, John Price and others were involved in pouring gasoline at the entrance ramp before igniting a fire at Bar 5015. Lynn Price later provided payment to them, according to the charges. 

Prior to the arson, the indictment alleges that in April 2020, Lynn Price also paid John Price and others to set fire to a stolen blue 1975 Chevy Nova.

Lynn Price and the others are charged with conspiracy to commit arson and arson and face up to 20 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.   

Lynn Price and John Price are also charged with conspiracy to use an interstate facility to commit arson of a vehicle and could receive another five years as possible punishment, upon conviction.   

The indictment remains sealed to those charged but not as yet in custody. 

FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Houston Arson Bureau conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Harris County Constable’s Office – Precinct 4. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sebastian A. Edwards and Keri Fuller are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.