Woman charged with arson in Desert Sands Motel fire

Albuquerque police on Sunday arrested a woman suspected of starting a fire a week ago that severely burned the historic Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque.

Jennifer Maestas, 37, is charged with arson over $20,000 after the fire, which displaced about 60 people.

A criminal complaint for Maestas’ arrest says investigators obtained surveillance video from the owners of the motel, who helped fire investigators identify Maestas as the suspect.

While she did not directly admit to causing the fire, she told fire investigators that a lighter was used to start the fire inside one of the motel’s rooms, which was corroborated by investigators.

Damage to the motel has been estimated at $1.5 million.

A judge set her bond at $15,000 cash or surety at her first appearance Tuesday.