Man charged with arson in fire that destroyed San Pedro Elks Lodge
A 78-year-old man accused of setting a fire that destroyed the San Pedro Elks Lodge was charged Thursday with arson and other charges, prosecutors announced.
Nick Pecarich was charged with one count each of arson of a structure, grand theft of personal property, second-degree commercial burglary and grand theft auto, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office. Pecarich also faces two counts each of vandalism causing more than $400 in damage.
The felony complaint includes a special allegation that Pecarich damaged and destroyed property of a value exceeding $3.2 million.
A possible motive for the alleged arson was not disclosed.
The April 15 blaze engulfed the 33,700-square-foot, two-story building and took more than 100 firefighters roughly two hours to extinguish.
The lodge, built in 1967, sits on a bluff off Western Avenue facing the coast and has three tennis courts, a pool and dining hall.
Lodge members have vowed to rebuild the structure.
Pecarich’s arrest April 29 resulted from an investigation by arson experts with the Los Angeles fire and police departments and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He has remained in custody since his arrest.
If convicted as charged, Pecarich faces a maximum sentence of 13 years in state prison.
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