Authorities still looking for co-conspirators in Hereford House arson

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Federal prosecutors charged an owner of a landmark Kansas City restaurant in the fire that destroyed his business, but authorities say at least two of his co-conspirators remain at large.

Rodney J. Anderson was indicted Tuesday on one charge each of mail fraud, arson, using fire to commit a federal felony and conspiracy to commit arson and mail fraud.

The charges stem from the Oct. 20, 2008 fire that destroyed the Hereford House, 2 E. 20th St., in Kansas City.

IMAGES:  Scenes from the fire

“We believe the men he hired to actually set the blaze are still at large,” said Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. “I appreciate the diligent effort of law enforcement in this on-going investigation and urge the public to provide any information that will help bring the remaining perpetrators to justice.”

Since the fire, investigators have released two sets of images in hopes of identifying those who involved in setting the fire.

According to the indictment, Anderson, 57, met with one of the co-conspirators on Sept. 27, 2008 to show him around the building and give him a key and the security alarm code.

Then on Oct. 12, 2008, the men being sought used that key and alarm code to enter the building and conduct a ‘walk-through’ of the restaurant before actually setting it on fire, the document alleges.

Late in the night of Oct. 19, 2008, the co-conspirators allegedly entered the building again and set fire to the building.

If you recognize either of the men pictured, you are urged to call the local ATF office at (816) 559-0850, the ATF’s toll free hotline at 1-888-ATF-FIRE (888-283-3473) or the Kansas City Crime Stoppers hotline at (816) 474-TIPS.

A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the additional co-conspirators.

Phone lines are answered 24 hours a day and all calls remain confidential.