LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A 65-year-old man from Leonardtown, Maryland, was convicted Tuesday of assault, arson, and reckless endangerment after setting a fire that displaced guests and caused extensive damage to a motel in California, Maryland. Anthony Cleaver Mason now faces up to 45 years in prison following a case that highlighted the dangers of his actions, which authorities say put dozens of lives at risk.
The incident unfolded on June 3, 2024, when St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a disturbance at a motel on Three Notch Road. Upon arrival, they found Mason had barricaded himself in a third-floor room, assaulted another occupant, and ignited a fire. As flames spread, deputies triggered the fire alarm and evacuated the building, averting a potentially deadlier outcome. Firefighters from multiple departments rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze, which left several victims injured and destroyed personal property.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office led the investigation, determining that Mason deliberately set the fire. Their findings estimated damages at over $750,000, reflecting the significant structural harm to the motel. According to a report from the Southern Maryland Chronicle, the fire’s intensity forced the evacuation of numerous guests and required a coordinated response from emergency services.
State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling condemned Mason’s actions in a statement following the conviction. “The Defendant’s dangerous actions put dozens of lives at risk, resulting in serious injuries and devastating property loss,” Sterling said. “Our office is committed to prosecuting those who recklessly put our community in danger.” Her office emphasized its resolve to seek justice for the affected residents and hold Mason accountable.
Mason has been held without bond since his arrest and awaits a sentencing hearing. The prosecution, led by Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Alena Moiser and Donna Pettersen, presented the case on behalf of St. Mary’s County citizens. The trial unfolded under the oversight of the Honorable Amy Lorenzini, who presided over the proceedings.
The investigation benefited from the collaboration of multiple law enforcement entities. The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal spearheaded the effort, with support from Sergeant James Bare, Devin Absher, and David Katulich of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Their combined work pieced together the events leading to the fire, securing evidence that underpinned Mason’s conviction.
The June incident began with reports of a disturbance, escalating quickly as Mason’s actions turned violent. After assaulting an occupant, he barricaded the room, creating a standoff with authorities. The fire he set grew beyond control, spreading through the third floor and necessitating an urgent evacuation. Guests fled with little time to gather belongings, and several suffered injuries, though no fatalities were reported.
The Southern Maryland Chronicle noted that Mason’s arrest followed shortly after the fire was contained, with initial charges filed on June 5, 2024. The motel, a fixture along Three Notch Road, sustained damages that disrupted its operations.
The maximum 45-year sentence reflects the severity of the charges—arson alone carries significant penalties under Maryland law, compounded by assault and endangerment convictions.
