Arson Charges For Diner Owners From Butler

Last Thursday, Tina Diakos and Ozkan Cengiz of Butler, New Jersey, were indicted by a Grand Jury for arson, insurance fraud, and witness tampering in connection to a fire at their Jerzeez fire in Vernon this past March. Sussex County Prosecutor Francis A. Koch announced the indictments of Diakos and Cengiz on Friday, August 19. Both Diakos and Cengiz were also indicted on one count of second degree conspiracy to commit arson.

According to the indictment, Diakos intentionally started the fire in order to destroy the diner located at 2 Andrea Drive in Vernon in order to collect insurance money. The report also indicates that her boyfriend, Cengiz, conspired with her in the plan.

The fire took place at the diner early on the morning of March 8, according to a story in the New Jersey Herald. Neighbors spotted the flames bursting through the roof at about 4 AM. Local fire trucks came to assist. No one was injured but it took a few hours for fire officials to get control of the fire, according to the New Jersey Herald.

Cengiz was found at his employment and arrested. He is now lodged at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $65,000 bail with no 10% option.

Image via DodgertonSkillhause, Morguefile, used under Creative Commons.