New Baltimore Man Convicted in Poncho’s Restaurant Arson Could Spend 20 Years in Prison

A man convicted of intentionally setting a fire at a popular New Baltimore eatery could spend up to 20 years in prison, WDIV-TV reported.

Joseph Gora, 28, was sentenced to 76 months to 20 years in prison after he was convicted of third-degree criminal arson and breaking and entering in connection with a September fire that destroyed Poncho’s Mexican Restaurant.

Also implicated was Brian Kanikowski, 33, who was charged with breaking and entering with intent, accessory after the fact to a felony, and receiving and concealing stolen property. A pre-trial conference is planned for later this month.

The two were charged after an investigation by the Michigan State Police fire investigators and their K-9 team, Utica police, and the New Baltimore Fire Department.

When the fire erupted around 6:40 a.m on Sunday, Sept. 15, flames could be seen from Green Street. New Baltimore firefighters were joined by crews from Chesterfield Township, Ira Township, Lenox Township, New Haven and Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township.

The fire mostly affected the back of the business, known as a local landmark, that is used as the main entrance.

It was not specifically clear why the restaurant was targeted in the fire that caused severe damage, but police said that several undisclosed items were taken.