Man admits to intentionally setting 3 fires that terrified neighbors in Hampden

A man will serve more than five years in federal prison for intentionally setting three fires in Hampden that were part of a wave that rattled the North Baltimore community and put neighbors on edge.

Justin Reeves pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Baltimore to one count of malicious destruction of property by fire.

“I just want to say I’m sorry for my actions,” Reeves, 29, of Remington, told U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher.

Gallagher later accepted a joint recommendation from the government and defense and ordered Reeves to serve five years and three months in prison.

When he gets out, Reeves will also have to spend five years on supervised release.

Reeves set the first fire on May 10, 2025, at a home on Keswick Road, between Hubner Street and West 34th Street, causing significant damage to the back of the property. Four days later, he returned to the house and started another fire.

On May 25, 2025, Reeves then set a fire at a home on West 37th Street, between Conduit Avenue and Cairnes Lane, from which he and his family had once been evicted. One occupant was sleeping in a bedroom on the second floor.

Three days later, Baltimore Police arrested Reeves, who was wearing the same hoodie as when he ignited the first fire.

Detectives used surveillance video, cellphone location information and an anonymous 911 call to tie him to the crime.

A series of fires between October 2024 and May 2025 terrified neighbors as buildings near the same stretch of Keswick Road burned. At least nine properties were damaged and demolished.

Reeves was only implicated in three fires.

His attorney, Christopher Nieto, said substance use disorder was a driving factor behind the crime.

Reeves has abused alcohol since he was 14 or 15, Nieto said. He said his client wants substance abuse treatment and vocational training in HVAC and plumbing.

Nieto pointed out that Reeves has strong family support.

“Mr. Reeves, upon his release, is not on his own,” Nieto said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Budlow said the fires could have put nearby homes and first responders at risk.

“The nature of the offense is quite obviously significant,” Budlow said.

The three fires were not extensive, but that was “not for lack of trying,” Budlow said.