Charges Filed Against Elks Lodge Arson Suspect, Bail Raised

The Elks Lodge fire on Tuesday, April 15. (photo: Chris Villanueva)

Nick Pecarich, the 78-year-old San Pedro man who was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of starting the fire that destroyed much of the San Pedro Elks Lodge on April 15, was charged yesterday with felony arson and several additional counts.

A judge raised Pecarich’s bail from $500,000 to $675,000 and he will be arraigned on May 9, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office said.

Pecarich was charged with one count each of arson of a structure, grand theft of personal property, second-degree commercial burglary and grand theft auto. He also faces two counts of felony vandalism resulting in more than $400 in damage. The complaint includes a special allegation that he damaged or destroyed property worth more than $3.2 million.

The Elks Lodge fire is one of a string of destructive events Pecarich is suspected of being behind.

While rumors have swirled that Pecarich’s wife is posting bail, the Beacon has yet to confirm these reports. Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Twin Towers Jail in Downtown Los Angeles confirmed that Pecarich is still in custody as of this afternoon.

If convicted, Pecarich could face up to 13 years in state prison.