Former Employee Accused Of Trying To Burn Waltham Business

WALTHAM, MA —One of the people police arrested in connection with an attempted arson at the AMPS Electric on West Street that caused upwards of $1,200 in damage Nov. 29, used to work there.

"He worked for us about a year ago," John Bianchi president of the company said in a phone interview. "He was laid off."

On Friday police arrested Michael Baker, 48, and his wife Kaysea Baker, 33, who both have the same address in North Reading, in connection to attempting to burn the building.

Both Bakers were charged with burning a building and conspiracy to commit burning of a building. Michael Baker was also charged with destruction of property worth more than $1,200 and breaking and entering during the night, which is a felony.

Both were set to be arraigned in Waltham District Court Monday.

Waltham Police and Fire Departments were called to AMPS Electric on Nov. 29 and found that someone had tossed an "incendiary device" through a window the night before in an attempt to burn the building, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

"We came here on Sunday morning, and we were just getting ready to put decorations up, and we noticed the windows were broken," said Bianchi.

Michael Baker received his journeyman electrician's license in 1999, according to the state database. his LinkedIn profile says he's been a union electrician since 1998.

AMPS is a commercial electrical construction and service company based in Waltham. They have five locations throughout New England and have been around for more than 30 years. The building is a brick building.

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.