Albuquerque man faces federal arson charges in Molotov attack on neighbor

An Albuquerque man with a documented history of conflict with his neighbors now faces federal arson charges after police say he threw a Molotov cocktail at a neighbor’s window in June. The incident, captured on security camera, occurred two and a half months before his federal indictment.

Jonathan Griego has a lengthy history of legal issues with his neighbors, according to police. The neighbor being targeted told Albuquerque police that she heard the boom and went outside, where she saw Griego appearing to prepare to throw another bottle, before appearing to catch on fire himself. He was later arrested after an hour-long SWAT standoff.

Griego’s prior record includes a February accusation by a neighbor at his old apartment complex that he shot her dog in the face with a BB gun. The dog survived, and animal cruelty charges were dropped after a witness refused to appear in court.

In 2021, Griego was arrested and pleaded guilty to shooting and killing his neighbor’s cat in front of his three-year-old son. He was sentenced to a year of probation.

Griego now faces federal charges of arson, dangerous use of explosives, and criminal damage to property. A judge ruled to keep Griego in jail pending trial. His trial date has not been set. If convicted on the arson charge, Griego will have to serve a minimum of five years.