Federal Complaint Filed in Arson of American Family Planning Clinic in Pensacola

PENSACOLA, FL—Bobby Joe Rogers, 41, of Pensacola, has been charged in a federal complaint with one count of damaging a building by fire or explosive, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i). United States Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Timothy issued an arrest warrant based on the complaint and supporting affidavit filed today, which charges Rogers with the arson of the American Family Planning Clinic at 6770 North 9th Avenue in Pensacola on January 1, 2012. If subsequently indicted by a grand jury and convicted at trial, Rogers faces a possible 20-year prison term.

Shortly before noon today, Rogers appeared before Magistrate Judge Timothy, who appointed the federal public defender to represent him. Rogers waived his right to a detention hearing and a preliminary hearing and is being held without bond pending further action by the court.

The case is being investigated by the State Fire Marshal’s Office in conjunction with agents from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Pensacola Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Edwin F. Knight has been assigned to prosecute the case.

Rogers has not been indicted by a grand jury and is being held on a complaint alleging a violation of federal criminal law. The complaint is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to indictment by a federal grand jury and a fair trial on the alleged charges, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.