Queensland motel owner Gabriele Demedio charged with arson and fraud
A businessman in his 70s who owns motels across Queensland has been charged with arson and fraud and is due to appear in court later this year.
Rockhampton
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A Rockhampton business owner has been charged with arson and fraud after a Parkhurst property earmarked for future development allegedly burnt down in suspicious circumstances.
A house fire at Yaamba Road, Parkhurst, was reported to police on July 15, 2020, about 11pm.
Upon emergency services arrival, the building was well alight and was not able to be saved.
No one was injured as a result of the fire.
The next day, police appealed for information and dashcam footage as they deemed the house fire to be suspicious.
Queensland Police Service confirmed a 71-year-old man was charged in April, 2021, in relation to the house fire.
The burnt down house and property was owned by Gabriele Demedio, and the land adjoined his motel, Casa Nostra Motel.
Mr Demedio, who is charged with arson and fraud, is due to appear in court on October 10, 2022.
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