The co-owner of a Middletown restaurant is facing federal charges after allegedly setting it on fire, locking the other owner inside and collecting $165,000 in insurance claims in 2010, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
Federal prosecutors said 51-year-old John A. Barile torched Enzo’s Restaurant and Lounge on Main Street in Middletown shortly after midnight on Jan. 10, 2010, then left the restaurant and locked the doors while the other owner was still inside.
Firefighters rescued Barile’s co-owner, but the restaurant was heavily damaged.
According to the U.S. attorney’s office, Barile subsequently collected $165,000 from the insurance company and hid his involvement in the fire.
A federal grand jury indicted him Dec. 30 on one count each of conspiracy and arson and two counts of mail fraud, and Barile was arrested at his home in East Hartford on Monday night.
He pleaded not guilty in federal court Tuesday and will appear before a judge again Friday, Jan. 9.
Barile could face up to 65 years in prison if convicted on all counts, according to federal prosecutors.
