Wildwood Man Arrested for Arson at Atlantis Rooming House

COURT HOUSE – Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor and Wildwood Police Chief Steven Long announce the arrest of 26 year old Emmanuel Centeno, a resident of Wildwood, for an Arson which occurred at the Atlantis Rooming House, located 144 East Roberts Avenue, Wildwood, New Jersey.
On August 6, 2013, at approximately 3:40 a.m., the Wildwood Police responded to a report of smoke emanating from a building, located 144 East Roberts Avenue. Upon arrival Officers evacuated the Rooming House and discovered a small fire in Room 19 of the residence. Due to the nature of the fire the Cape May County Fire Marshal Office was notified and it was subsequently ruled an act of Arson.
An investigation by Detectives from the Wildwood Police Department and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office was initiated and it was discovered that the resident of room # 19, Emmanuel Centeno, intentionally set the fire. The investigation further revealed that on August 5, 2013 Centeno attempted to set a fire in the lobby area of the residence by opening the valve of a propane tank and striking a match several times. Centeno was not able to produce an explosion or fire at which time he left the area.
Centeno was charged with Aggravated Arson, a crime of the second degree and Causing or Risking Widespread Injury or Damage, also a crime of the second degree.
As a result of the charges, Centeno was lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of $125,000.00 bail.
Prosecutor Taylor advises that persons convicted of a second degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Prosecutor Taylor, Chief Long recognize the efforts of all the agencies involved resulting in the successful conclusion of this investigation.