Two people face arson and burglary charges after authorities linked them to a deliberately set fire that damaged a hookah lounge in Waldorf, Charles County. Deputy state fire marshals arrested Shawn Hill Justice, 37, and Ashley Elizabeth Ellis, 35, on January 13, 2026, following an investigation into the October 30, 2025, blaze at Pasha Lounge, located at 3242 Old Washington Road. Justice admitted to igniting materials inside the business, while Ellis, an employee at the lounge, allegedly conspired by providing access and encouraging the act, motivated by personal relationship issues.
The incident began around 12:30 a.m. on October 30, 2025, when the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department responded to an alarm at the lounge. Firefighters arrived to find the front door forced open and flames inside the building. They contained the one-alarm fire in under 40 minutes, preventing further spread. No injuries were reported, but the damage was significant, estimated at $25,000 to the structure and $50,000 to contents, totaling $75,000.
Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal determined the fire originated in the humidor room, a storage area for cigars and tobacco products. The blaze was ruled arson after evidence showed it was intentionally set by igniting combustible materials within the premises. Justice was charged with second-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, second-degree burglary, and destruction of property over $1,000. Ellis faced charges of conspiracy to commit second-degree arson and burglary. Following their arrests, both were transported to the Charles County Detention Center. Justice was held without bond, while Ellis was released on her own recognizance.
During a post-arrest interview, Justice confessed to setting the fire and stated that Ellis had urged him to do so, supplied entry details, and assisted in planning. Officials indicated the motivation stemmed from complications in a personal relationship, though specifics were not disclosed. The arrests mark the conclusion of a months-long probe by deputy fire marshals, who gathered evidence linking the pair to the crime scene.
Pasha Lounge serves as a social venue in Waldorf, offering hookah smoking, cigars, and a relaxed atmosphere for patrons. The business, situated in a commercial area along Old Washington Road, caters to locals in Southern Maryland, a region known for its proximity to Washington, D.C., and growing suburban communities. Waldorf, an unincorporated area in Charles County with a population exceeding 80,000 as of recent estimates, has seen steady development, including retail and entertainment spots. However, incidents like this highlight ongoing public safety concerns in the area.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal, part of the Maryland State Police, handles investigations into suspicious fires statewide. In 2023, the latest year with complete data, Maryland reported 1,248 arson incidents, according to the Maryland Statistical Analysis Center, with property crimes including arson showing variations by county. Charles County, encompassing Waldorf, recorded 2,456 property crimes that year, though arson specifics were lower. Projections for 2025 suggest arson-related costs in areas like St. Charles, near Waldorf, could reach around $30,000 annually, based on crime trend analyses. These figures underscore the economic impact of such crimes on communities.
Local authorities emphasize the seriousness of arson, which under Maryland law can carry penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment for second-degree offenses. The quick response by the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department, a key emergency service in Charles County, limited damage and potential risks to nearby businesses. The department, staffed by volunteers and career personnel, handles thousands of calls yearly, with fire incidents comprising a portion of their workload.
This case adds to the narrative of crime in Southern Maryland, where law enforcement collaborations between county sheriffs, state police, and fire investigators aim to address deliberate acts like arson. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office, which supports such probes, reported overall crime declines in the region, aligning with a 13 percent drop in DMV-area offenses in early 2025 compared to 2024, per the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. Still, targeted incidents disrupt local economies and safety.