The fires were set at times when they were on duty and could respond to them, WJLA-TV quoted State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy as saying. Property damages from all four blazes were estimated at $260,000 in total.
The suspects were removed from their roles when the investigation began, news outlets reported. Three civilians were also charged with arson and other crimes during the course of the investigation, authorities said.
Hawkins was being held Friday at the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro on a $50,000 bond. The initial appearances for Holzberger, Smith, St. John and Vazquez were scheduled for mid-May, according to the statement.