U.S. Attorney Julia C. Dudley and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Edgar A. Domenech announced Thursday the unsealing of an indictment charging 56-year-old William Wardell Webelir, a.k.a “Cosmo,” of Port Richey, Florida with arson related to a October 2003 fire that destroyed Bad Water Bill’s Barbeque Barn, a restaurant in Strasburg, Virginia.

Webelir was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke on May 7. The grand jury
charged him with one count of maliciously damaging and destroying by means of fire a business that was used in interstate commerce.

The blaze destroyed Bad Water Bill’s, causing approximately $295,360 worth of damage.

“Arson is a serious crime that puts many lives at risk,” says Dudley. “Not only the lives of people in or near the structure are at risk, but the lives of the brave men and women who attempt to put out the fire are also placed in
harms way. People must be aware, if you set fire to a building, you will be caught and we will prosecute you.”

According to the indictment, on October 25, 2003, the Titan Motorcycle Club, which is considered a support club or “duck” for the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club, was scheduled to host a bike show at Bad Water Bill’s Barbeque Barn. The presence of Hell’s Angels in the Strasburg, Virginia area was a matter of concern and anger for the local Pagan Motorcycle Club.

In the early morning hours of October 25, 2003, Webelir and perhaps an
associate or associates of the Pagan Motorcycle Club, allegedly intentionally set fire to the restaurant.

The indictment was unsealed after Webelir’s arrest. If convicted on all counts, the maximum penalty Webelir faces is 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000.

The investigation of the case was conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Bondurant is prosecuting the case for the United States.

A grand jury indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.