Florida authorities arrested a woman in Hialeah Gardens after she tried to burn down the childhood home of Bob Graham, who became governor of Florida in the late 1970s.
According to Local 10 News, the woman was identified as Angela Taylor, 37 years old, who was arrested last Friday morning. The police report states that several officers and firefighters responded to an active fire at the historic residence located on Okeechobee Road at 10721 NW 138th St.
Taylor was seen leaving the place in a hurry, which raised suspicions on the part of the authorities. After her arrest, it was discovered that the woman was carrying a red lighter in her pocket. Additionally, the police noticed that the detainee had ashes on her hands, face, and clothing.
A quick investigation revealed that the fire in the politician’s house had been started, with the help of an accelerant on the ground or some object inside the place.
When questioned, the woman assured that she had the right to be on the property, since, according to her, she thought she was the owner of the land. However, said home is marked with several “no trespassing” signs, making it difficult to believe that she did not realize her “mistake.”
The woman now faces charges of first-degree robbery and arson, something that could carry a punishment of up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
For now, the woman remains arrested at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County, where she must await her appearance in court without bail.
The historic home was built in 1924 by Ernest R. “Cap” Graham, father of the politician and writer, and is considered part of the rich history of the state of Florida. According to online records, the property is in the name of Graham Companies, a company founded by R. “Cap” Graham in 1932. The man is recognized for his role in the creation and development of Miami Lakes.
The house was built in what was then a town called Pennsuco, a territory that is now part of Hialeah Gardens. In 1982, the house was designated as a Miami-Dade County Historic Site.
The politician and former governor of Florida was born on November 9, 1936 in Coral Gables. His career also includes having been a senator from Florida from 1987 to 2005. Likewise, he was a pre-candidate for the 2004 elections, but he retired in October 2003, supporting John Kerry.
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