Son, mother charged with arson in business fire that left man dead

A Las Vegas man and his mother have been indicted by a federal grand jury in what prosecutors say was the 2010 arson of a North Las Vegas convenience store that left a man dead.

Peter Argyris, 46, and his mother, Joann Argyris, 67, of Boulder City, set fire to the store, which was on property they owned, to collect the insurance money, the indictment alleges.

Brandon Davis, 26, died in the Sept. 19, 2010 fire. His body was discovered by fire investigators searching the debris, according to news reports at the time.

Both defendants are charged with arson resulting in death, conspiracy to commit arson, use of fire to commit mail fraud and six counts of mail fraud.

They were arrested late Tuesday by agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On Wednesday, the two defendants pleaded not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Foley Jr., who set an April 27 trial. Foley ordered both released on their own recognizance and added electronic monitoring for the younger Argyris after Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Smith Jr. said he considered him a flight risk.

“The allegations against the defendants are very serious,” Nevada U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden said in a news release. “Not only did the fire destroy the property, but a life was lost. We will use federal resources to ensure that the persons who committed this crime for monetary gain are convicted and punished.”

Prosecutors are seeking to recover $1.3 million in insurance money Peter Argyris is alleged to have obtained following the fire at the property at 3820 E. Craig Rd.

The indictment alleges the Argyris’ began scheming to burn down the convenience store, known as JCW Mini-Mart, as early as June 2010.

The business, which also operated as a gas station and restaurant, leased the property from a company owned by the son and his mother.

Contact Jeff German at jgerman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-8135. Find him on Twitter: @JGermanRJ.