Homeless Woman Charged Federally in Arson of Hotel Warehouse

Albuquerque –

A homeless woman is facing federal charges in connection with the arson of a commercial storage warehouse in Albuquerque.

According to court records, on October 14, 2024, Samantha Lee, 41, allegedly set fire to a storage warehouse used by the Crowne Plaza Hotel and The Querque Hotel on Menaul Blvd NE in Albuquerque. Investigators determined that the fire was intentionally set and found evidence linking her to five separate ignition points on the property.

Lee is charged with one count of arson. She will remain in custody pending trial, which is currently scheduled for February 10, 2026. If convicted of the current charges, Lee faces no less than five and up to 20 years in prison.

PATREON MEMBERS CAN READ THE CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AND FEDERAL INDICTMENT HERE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/homeless-woman-148870428

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Shawn Stallo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting the case.

If you have any information relating to this matter or other crimes committed by Lee, please contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at 1-888-ATF-TIPS or ATFTips@atf.gov.