According to the now unsealed federal indictment, Prasad Margabandhu is charged with conspiracy to maliciously destroy property by fire as well as mail and bankruptcy fraud.
The June 2022 fire at the vacant building along East Carson Street grew to four alarms. At the time, a Pittsburgh police spokesperson said the fire was considered suspicious and that an investigation was ongoing.
Charland said Margabandhu was reckless and trying to make easy money.
“This situation here on Carson Street was him throwing a speakeasy party that was highly dangerous. The property wasn’t permitted, didn’t have sprinkler systems, and ultimately, the building caught fire, which was the worst-case scenario we could have had happen there,” said Charland.
No one was hurt in the fire.
Source: Feds: South Side building owner set property on fire to avoid sheriff’s sale
