Unhoused woman charged in 2024 fire near Querque Hotel

A woman who is homeless faces federal charges after being accused of starting a fire that burned a storage warehouse next to an Albuquerque hotel in 2024.

Samantha Lee, 41, is charged with one count of arson and will remain in custody pending her trial, which is scheduled for Feb. 10. If convicted, she faces a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years, according to a news release issued Thursday by the U.S. Attorney's Office for New Mexico.

"(Lee) maliciously damaged and destroyed, by means of fire, a storage warehouse for the Crowne Plaza Hotel and The Querque Hotel, a building located on Menaul Boulevard NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which building was used in interstate commerce and in an activity affecting interstate commerce," states a federal indictment.

On Oct. 14, 2024, Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to the warehouse after receiving reports of a gas leak that turned into a fire. The structure fire, which firefighters battled for more than two hours, caused the total loss of the building after the roof collapsed, along with other damages.

The building served as a storage site for The Querque Hotel and a nonprofit. The fire caused an estimated $300,000 in damage and the building was demolished shortly after.

AFR investigators searched the area and found surveillance footage that showed a woman — later identified as Lee — stop near the side of the warehouse to light two fires, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. Investigators found burned paper and charred wood near the area.

"Approximately two minutes after she leaves the second window, smoke becomes visible," the complaint states.

Shortly after, Lee could be seen on video igniting a third fire inside a sprinkler control box that was no longer in use before walking off. In total, Lee ignited at least five fires during that time, according to the complaint.

Nakayla McClelland covers crime and breaking news. Reach her at nmcclelland@abqjournal.com or at 505-823-3857.