East Islip resident Paul Lucia pleaded guilty in court on Oct.13 to arson in the second degree. Lucia also pleaded guilty to arson in the third degree and two counts of criminal possession.
Suffolk County district attorney Raymond A. Tierney shared his conclusions about the trial.
“The defendant admitted to intentionally setting fire to a local business, risking the lives of staff and patrons inside,” said Tierney. “Violent crimes such as this will never be tolerated. The prison term he now faces holds the defendant accountable for what could have easily turned into an enormous tragedy.”
The arson occurred back on Nov. 20, 2025, when Lucia was asked to leave local East Islip bar, Riley Fibbers. Two hours later, Lucia was caught on video surveillance pouring a liquid from a gas can near the entrance to the still-open bar, which was full of both employees and customers. After the flames ignited, Lucia drove away after disposing of the gas can. Both the gas can and Lucia’s lighter were later found and used as evidence.
The reason Lucia had been asked to leave was also clarified back on Nov. 20.
“The evidence at trial established that, on Nov. 20, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Lucia was a patron at Riley Fibbers Pub & Restaurant in East Islip when he was asked to leave by staff after taking a picture of one of the staff members,” the DA Office wrote.
After a witness shared Lucia’s license plate to the authorities, an additional discovery was made.
“A witness at the scene provided a license plate number for the Jeep that Lucia was driving. Those plates were found to have been reported stolen one week prior to the arson,” the DA Office wrote.
No injuries occurred due to the fire, but the bar sustained fire damage to the kitchen and an awning.
Lucia was arrested the following day after the Suffolk County Police Department carried out a traffic stop when he was spotted driving his white Jeep.
Lucia will be due for court on Nov. 13 for his sentencing. He is facing up to 10 years in prison, followed by post-release supervision for five years
