WALDORF, Md. — A 38-year-old Maryland man has pleaded guilty to federal arson charges after setting fire to a humidor inside a Waldorf bar and hookah lounge, causing more than $80,000 in losses, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
Shawn Justice, of Avenue, Maryland, pleaded guilty to one count of arson in federal court. The case stems from a fire at Pasha Lounge in Waldorf on October 29, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes announced the guilty plea alongside Charles Doerrer, special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Caroll H. Spriggs II, chief of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
How the Fire Started at Pasha Lounge
According to Justice’s guilty plea, he entered Pasha Lounge through the front door on October 29, 2025, and walked to a humidor inside the establishment.
Court documents state that Justice entered the humidor and scattered cigars on the floor before pouring liquor over them. He then set a paper towel roll on fire and threw the burning roll onto the floor, where the alcohol-soaked cigars were scattered.
The humidor quickly caught fire, resulting in more than $80,000 in losses at the Waldorf establishment, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The incident led to an arson investigation involving federal authorities and the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. The guilty plea establishes Justice’s admission to the federal arson charge.
Maryland Arson Case Could Bring Up to 20 Years in Prison
Justice faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the arson conviction. However, the maximum penalty does not mean he will automatically receive that sentence.
U.S. District Judge Theodore J. Chuang is scheduled to oversee Justice’s sentencing. The sentencing date was not specified in the announcement.
Federal judges determine sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other applicable statutory factors. As a result, the final sentence may be lower than the maximum penalty allowed by law.
Federal Agencies Investigated the Waldorf Fire
The U.S. Attorney’s Office credited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal for their work on the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Treiger is prosecuting the case.
The case highlights the potential federal penalties associated with arson involving commercial properties. The fire at Pasha Lounge caused significant financial losses, and Justice now faces sentencing following his guilty plea.
Additional information about federal prosecutions, public safety initiatives, and community resources is available through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
