An extensive four month investigation conducted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Maryland State Police, Calvert Investigative Team and Special Operations Team of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in Seminole County, Florida has resulted in Deputy State Fire Marshals charging eight suspects for their involvement with setting fire to the Country Plaza Shopping Center.

The fire at 10086 Southern Maryland Boulevard in Dunkirk, Calvert County occurred Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 5:56 a.m. The two alarm fire took fifty firefighters thirty-five minutes to control. The fire caused an estimated $1,500,000 in damages to the structure and contents which affected the following businesses: M&T Bank, Dunkirk Paints, Just Tan It, Martial Arts Academy, H&R Block, Sassy Seamstress Gifts, Country Cleaners, Dunkirk Barbershop and three vacant units. The property is owned by Curtis Investments.

Investigators determined the fire originated in the rear of the Dunkirk Paint store as a result of arson. During the investigation it was determined the operators of the Just Tan It salon had a financial conflict with the owner of Dunkirk Paints and set the early morning blaze.

On Friday, June 4, 2010, the Calvert County Grand Jury indicted the following suspects on twelve counts and warrants were issued for the arrests of: Clay Daniel Powers, 42 of Chesapeake Beach, MD, Grace Marie Bellosi Mitchell, 43 of Dunkirk, MD, Yvonne Labrador Bellosi, 42 of Fort Washington, MD, Richard Sheil Kulle, 46 of Lothian, MD, Todd Douglas Watters, 47 of Winter Park, FL, Kimberly Lynn Bellosi, 42 of Chesapeake Beach, MD, Richard Michael Kendall, 41 of Dunkirk, MD and Enrick Amerigo Bellosi, 45 of Casselbury, FL.

All eight suspects were arrested during June and July and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center for review before a Circuit Court Judge. Charges stemming from the March 27th fire include: Six counts of Arson 2nd Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Arson 2nd Degree, Burglary 2nd Degree, two counts Malicious Burning 1st Degree, Malicious
Destruction of Property and Accessory after the Fact.