Wilmington man faces arson counts for fires in Rehoboth, Dewey

By Craig Anderson
Posted 6/17/21

REHOBOTH BEACH - A 44-year-old Wilmington man is facing arson counts for fires that heavily damaged structures in Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach last year, authorities said Thursday.

Warrants were …

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already a member? Log in to continue.   Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Wilmington man faces arson counts for fires in Rehoboth, Dewey

Posted

REHOBOTH BEACH — A 44-year-old Wilmington man is facing arson counts for fires that heavily damaged structures in Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach last year, authorities said Thursday.

Warrants were obtained for Richard B. Lodeski, who the Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal alleged intentionally started fires at The Lighthouse Restaurant on April 23, 2020 and the Aqua Leisure business on June 3, 2020.

He’s currently incarcerated in Maryland for arson-related offenses there, spokesman John Galaska said.

Police said the blaze at The Lighthouse Restaurant in Dewey Beach caused an estimated $750,000 in damage, while the Aqua-Leisure structure had roughly $200,000 in damage.

A boardwalk area under construction was also damaged during The Lighthouse Restaurant in the 100 block of Dickinson Avenue, authorities said at the time. The responding Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company found heavy flames coming from the structure, and other fire companies assisted at the scene. The incident occurred shortly after 10 p.m. and no injuries were reported.

In early May 2020, the Lighthouse Cove Development Company announced it was offering $10,000 reward to anyone who provided information leading to an arrest and conviction of anyone found responsible for the fire.

In the Aqua Leisure blaze in the 35000 block of Wolfe Neck Road, smoke and flames were coming from the structure when the Rehoboth Beach VFC arrived, Mr. Galaska said. Mutual aid fire companies responded to the incident that occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m., authorities said.

Mr. Lodeski is facing two pending counts each of second-degree arson and criminal trespass in Delaware, Mr. Galaska said.

State Fire Marshal Office deputies investigated the incidents in conjunction with the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Delaware State Police and Dewey Beach Police.

The fire marshal’s office asked anyone with information to contact its Sussex Division by calling 856-5600.

Members and subscribers make this story possible.
You can help support non-partisan, community journalism.

x
X