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    Man accused of torching Ontario warehouse, causing $500 million-plus in damage, pleads not guilty
    • April 13, 2026

    A judge on Monday, April 13, entered pleas of not guilty on behalf of a Highland man charged with seven arson-related counts in connection with last week’s fire that destroyed an Ontario warehouse and the $500 million in contents.

    Chamel A. Abdulkarim, 29, was represented by Deputy Public Defender Matthew Magorien in Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga during the hearing, which lasted less than five minutes.

    Judge Shannon L. Faherty set the next court appearance for May 6, when Magorien said he plans to discuss bail. Abdulkarim was being held at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga without the possibility of bail.

    Magorien declined to make a public statement about his client until he has an opportunity to speak with him.

    Abdulkarim is charged with one count of aggravated arson and six counts of arson in San Bernardino County. At most, he faces 10 years to life if convicted as charged.

    The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a charge of arson that interfered with interstate commerce, which carries a penalty of five to 20 years behind bars. That case will be prosecuted after the local case concludes.

    Chamel Abdulkarim of Highland, who is charged with arson in a fire that destroyed a warehouse full of household paper products in Ontario on April 7, speaks with his attorney, Deputy Public Defender Matthew Magorien, at Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court on Monday, April 13, 2026. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
    Chamel Abdulkarim of Highland, who is charged with arson in a fire that destroyed a warehouse full of household paper products in Ontario on April 7, speaks with his attorney, Deputy Public Defender Matthew Magorien, at Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court on Monday, April 13, 2026. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)

    Abdulkarim worked for NFI Industries, which operated the 1.2 million-square-foot warehouse where products such as paper towels, diapers, wipes and facial tissues made by Kimberly-Clark were stored.

    The April 7 fire was reported around 12:30 a.m.

    Abdulkarim was arrested that morning after a person authorities described as close to him called and provided law enforcement with a video that the witness said was posted to Abdulkarim’s Instagram account, according to the federal complaint.

    The video shows someone setting ablaze merchandise accompanied by commentary.

    “If you’re not going to pay us enough to (expletive) live or afford to live, at least pay us enough not to do this (expletive),” the person says.

    During that call with the person close to him, which the person recorded, the complaint said, the witness asked Abdulkarim about his motivation.

    “They had it coming,” he allegedly answered. “(Expletive) eight hours, six days, stuck paying rent on a (expletive) apartment that I can’t afford to (expletive) live. … Pedophiles out here (expletive) children, profiting off (expletive) wars,” the complaint said. “A lot of people are going to understand.”

    Ontario police found Abdulkarim walking about two miles from the warehouse and arrested him. He confessed to the crime, the complaint said.

     Orange County Register 

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