Maple Heights man charged with damaging by means of fire a parking lot attendant booth during May 30 demonstrations

U.S. Attorney’s Office
Northern District of Ohio
26 June 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Justin Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announced today that Timothy James Goodner, age 19, of Maple Heights, has been charged with maliciously damaging or destroying by means of fire or explosion any building or property. According to the criminal complaint, Goodner was involved in an act of arson concerning the Shaia’s Parking Lot attendant booth on 1242 West 3rd Street on Saturday, May 30th, 2020.

“Today’s arrest demonstrates the continued resolve of federal law enforcement to identify, arrest, and prosecute those individuals responsible for the widespread damage in our downtown on May 30,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “This defendant is alleged to have committed arson during the riot that followed an otherwise peaceful, Constitutionally-protected assembly of our neighbors. Let this arrest serve as a reminder to all those who were engaged in similar crimes on that day - we are going to find you, we are going to arrest you, and we are going to hold you accountable.”

According to the criminal complaint, Goodner and other persons gathered around an attendant booth in the West 3rd Street parking lot during the demonstrations on May 30th. Images and videos released from that day show a suspect setting fire to cardboard boxes and paper towels and then placing them inside the attendant booth. Goodner is then observed contributing to the fire by placing boxes and other combustible products inside the both to help accelerate the burning.

Afterwards, the Cleveland Division of Police released images and video of suspects committing various criminal acts from the demonstrations to the media. Goodner was identified via these images from numerous anonymous tips by his clothing and a visible tattoo.

Goodner was arrested and booked into the Cuyahoga County Jail on June 22, 2020 by the Ohio State Highway Patrol on an active warrant obtained by the Cleveland Police Department for aggravated arson.

A charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being investigated by the Cleveland Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cleveland Division of Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Hanley. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio would like to acknowledge and thank the Cleveland FBI, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol for their assistance with this matter.

Contact:
Daniel Ball
(216) 622-3921
Daniel.Ball@usdoj.gov