U.S. Capitol Police Officer Indicted for Setting Fire in Senate Office Building

A federal grand jury has returned a one-count indictment against a U.S. Capitol Police Officer, Karen E. Emory, 36, of Waldorf, Maryland, charging her with one misdemeanor count of Willfully Injuring or Committing Any Depredation Against Any Property of the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Taylor and U.S. Capitol Police Chief Phillip D. Morse, Sr.

The indictment, which was returned earlier today, stems from an incident that occurred on November 2, 2007, in which toilet paper was set on fire inside a ladies' restroom located in the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

If convicted of the charge, the defendant faces up to one year in jail. An arraignment has not yet been set by the court.

In announcing the indictment, U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Taylor and Chief Morse commended the excellent work of U.S. Capitol Police Criminal Investigation Division, particularly the lead investigator, Detective Nettie Watts, and the U.S. Capitol Police, Office of the Inspector General. They also commended Assistant U. S. Attorney Angela Schmidt, who indicted the case and will be prosecuting it.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.

If there are any questions about these events or security procedures, you may contact the United States Capitol Police Public Information Office at 202-224-1677.

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	Prepared by:
	Sergeant Kimberly Schneider
	United States Capitol Police
	Public Information Officer