Wall Township, N.J. – The New Jersey State Police have charged Evelyn V. Alvino, 20, of Pinellas Park, FL, after an 18-month arson investigation of a fire that destroyed the Arthur Brisbane Child Treatment Center in Monmouth County in 2020.
On May 30, 2020, detectives from the Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office began investigating a large-scale fire at the child treatment state facility located in Wall Township. As a result of the fire, investigators determined that the building sustained more than $3.5 million worth of damage and had to be demolished. During the investigation, detectives discovered that the building and structures in the vicinity had been burglarized prior to the fire.
Through various investigative means, detectives determined that Alvino entered the center, burglarized the building, and started a fire that engulfed the entire structure. On September 7, 2021, detectives charged Alvino with aggravated arson, burglary, criminal trespassing, and criminal mischief and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
During the ongoing investigation, detectives obtained information that Alvino fled New Jersey and was staying at a residence in Pinellas Park, FL. On November 9, members of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Pinellas Park Police Task Force located and arrested Alvino in Pinellas Park. She was lodged in the Pinellas County Jail and extradited to New Jersey on November 30.
The site where the fire occurred is restricted and trespassing is strictly prohibited.
The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office