


The utter disregard for human life and property exhibited in this case is appalling. “This fire, which was set solely for the selfish financial gain of the defendant, created an extremely dangerous situation for first responders who valiantly fought the fire as well as to the defendant’s wife.” Hoovler said.” Arson for profit is, by its nature, an incredibly challenging crime to prosecute because of the complexity of the evidence as well as because, as in this case, the perpetrator often intentionally attempts to destroy any link between themselves and the crime. Former Town of Newburgh restauranter Zef Gjurashaj, 60, of Newburgh, was sentenced to a total of 22 years to life in prison for trying to burn down his restaurant for profit in 2017.
