Illinois Man Admits to Arson Scheme for Insurance Fraud

Rufis Jefferson, a 47-year-old man from Venice, Illinois, has confessed to his involvement in an elaborate arson-for-hire scheme, pleading guilty to 14 felony charges. This admission occurred during a federal court hearing, revealing a premeditated plan to set residential buildings on fire for insurance fraud purposes.

The scheme, as outlined in court documents, involved Jefferson and others conspiring to deliberately set fires to residential properties. A notable instance includes a family member paying Jefferson to burn her apartment in St. Louis on New Year’s Eve 2022, with the intention of claiming insurance money. The insurance company paid out approximately $30,000 for this fire.

Jefferson also plotted to burn additional buildings in Granite City and Venice in collaboration with the same relative. However, these plans were thwarted as many of their conversations were recorded by an ATF confidential informant, preventing further arsons.

Jefferson’s charges include 10 counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, and one count each of conspiracy to commit arson and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Additionally, Evette Osuegbu, 61, of Granite City, faces similar charges in connection with this scheme.

U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe emphasized that federal law considers intentionally setting fires for insurance claims as fraud. ATF Special Agent Bernard Hansen reinforced the commitment of law enforcement to prosecute such hazardous crimes and maintain community safety. This case underscores the severe legal consequences of engaging in fraudulent insurance activities and the vigilance of law enforcement agencies in tackling such offenses.