FBI arrests self-proclaimed hate crime victim for allegedly setting deadly house fire
Share this @internewscast.com

The FBI in Houston, Texas, has recently reported the arrest of a man who claimed to be a victim of a hate crime, accused of setting his rental house on fire, which resulted in the deaths of two people.

Mario Roberson from Huntsville was taken into custody by FBI agents alongside Texas Public Safety officials on Thursday morning related to a house explosion in June 2023 in San Jacinto County. He could face a life sentence in prison.

Roberson was first charged with arson in November 2023 and was subsequently detained in the Harris County jail in December 2023. The reasons for his release remain unknown.

FBI agents

FBI Houston confirmed the suspect claimed to be a hate crime victim. (Getty Images)

A survivor who deputies found crashed in a ditch after the fire told law enforcement a man asked him to drive to Huntsville from Houston, wanting to “do a numbers job on a house,” the outlet reported.

“Whoever is doing it, he knows the man with the house,” he said on a bodycam video obtained by ABC13. “A numbers [insurance fraud] job or something. That’s all I know.”

After a months-long investigation by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, a grand jury signed a “true bill,” allowing him to be charged with first-degree felony arson.

A structure burns as the Carr Fire races along Highway 299 near Redding, Calif., on Thursday, July 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

FBI Houston arrested a man in a deadly alleged 2023 arson. (AP Photo/ Noah Berger)

FBI Houston declined Fox News Digital’s request for comment, referring all questions to the U.S. Attorney’s Office or local law enforcement agencies.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
DOJ sought to 'brief' Biden on Mar-a-Lago raid before search -- didn't 'give a damn about the optics'

DOJ Prioritized Justice Over Optics: Sought to Inform Biden on Mar-a-Lago Raid Plans Pre-Search

In a revealing twist, recently unearthed emails suggest that the Department of…
FBI subpoenaed Kash Patel and Susie Wiles phone records in federal Trump FBI investigation

Breaking: FBI Targets Key Trump Allies Kash Patel & Susie Wiles in Subpoenaed Phone Records Investigation

The FBI issued subpoenas for the phone records of Kash Patel and…
Tires slashed on 7 NYPD Strategic Response Group cop cars parked in Brooklyn

Vandalism Strike: NYPD Strategic Response Group’s Fleet Targeted with Tire Slashings in Brooklyn

In a bold act of vandalism, seven NYPD vehicles belonging to the…
Met Gala 2026 dress code revealed: 'Fashion is Art'

Met Gala 2026 Dress Code Unveiled: Embracing ‘Fashion as Art

NEW YORK — You certainly don’t need to remind Beyoncé about the…
Man sentenced for Texas crash that killed founding member of The Chicks

Texas Man Sentenced for Fatal Crash Involving The Chicks’ Founding Member

In a tragic turn of events, Laura Lynch, one of the original…
American released from Indonesia jail after serving 11 years for 'suitcase murder' as US case looms

American Freed After 11 Years in Indonesia for ‘Suitcase Murder’ Awaits U.S. Legal Proceedings

In a dramatic turn of events, an American man who spent over…
New US, Iran talks underway in Geneva as Trump deal deadline nears

US and Iran Engage in Critical Geneva Talks as Trump-Era Deal Deadline Approaches

In a bid to shape the future of Tehran’s nuclear program, US…
Today in History: February 26, Trayvon Martin shot to death

Remembering Trayvon Martin: Reflecting on the Impact of February 26, 2012, Tragedy

Today marks Thursday, February 26, 2026—day 57 of the year, leaving 308…
Brainerd, Chicago shooting: Antoine Alexander dies after being shot in parking lot in 9400-block of South Ashland Avenue

Tragic Incident in Brainerd: Man Fatally Shot in South Ashland Avenue Parking Lot

A man lost his life following a shooting incident in a parking…
Newsom's High Speed Rail CEO must go: Republican lawmaker

Republican Lawmaker Calls for New Leadership in Newsom’s High-Speed Rail Project

A legislator from California’s Central Valley is urging the resignation of Ian…
The Louvre names Christophe Leribault as boss months after historic jewel heist

Christophe Leribault Appointed Director of the Louvre Following Landmark Jewel Heist

PARIS — A new leader is set to take the helm at…
NJ Gov Mikie Sherrill booed at Devils game honoring Jack Hughes Olympic gold medal

NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill Faces Boos During Jack Hughes Olympic Gold Medal Ceremony at Devils Game

Governor Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey found herself in the midst of…