HOUSTON – Lyndell “Lynn” Price, the former owner of The Turkey Leg Hut who now owns The Oyster Hut, has been indicted on three federal charges.
Lynn Price, 42, was in tears when he was pulled over and arrested on Thursday after he left his girlfriend’s house, a source familiar with the case told KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry.
He is currently in federal custody and will remain there at least until his detention hearing, scheduled for next Thursday at 10 a.m.
Also in custody are Armani Williams, 27, and John Lee Price, 39, both also of Houston.
The three-count indictment, filed April 8 in the Southern District of Texas, alleges Lynn Price and others conspired to set fire to Bar 5015 in June 2020.
TIMELINE: The legal saga and controversies of Turkey Leg Hut in Houston
The charges allege the owner of that bar was a former co-owner of the Turkey Leg Hut and Lynn Price’s business partner.
In early June 12, 2020, Lynn Price had allegedly recruited a group which included Williams, John Price and others.
The charges allege Williams, John Price and others were involved in pouring gasoline at the entrance ramp before igniting a fire at Bar 5015 on June 12, 2020. Lynn Price and his co-conspirator agreed to provide payment to the crew tasked with starting the fire, according to the indictment.
READ: Turkey Leg Hut closes after Houston Health Dept. finds several violations
Early that morning, William and an unnamed co-conspirator purchased gasoline, gas cans, and face coverings at a truck stop in Houston.
Williams then drove to and parked near the bar in a black Ford Fusion, according to the indictment. They entered the deck area and poured gasoline across the deck and down the entrance ramp.
Then, at 4:44 a.m., Williams and the unnamed co-conspirator lit a piece of paper and ignited the trail of gasoline. By 4:47 a.m., Lynn Price received a phone call to let him know the arson was complete.
Prior to the arson, the indictment alleges that in April 2020, Lynn Price also paid John Price and others to set fire to a stolen blue 1975 Chevy Nova.
Lynn Price and the others are charged with conspiracy to commit arson and arson and face up to 20 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
RELATED: Nearby business feels aftershocks of explosion at bar in Houston’s Museum District Friday morning
Lynn Price and John Price are also charged with conspiracy to use an interstate facility to commit arson of a vehicle and could receive another five years as possible punishment, upon conviction.
Defense attorney addresses charges
Defense attorney Letitia Quinones-Hollins, representing John Lee Price, addressed the charges following his initial arraignment.
“This is a classic example of being very mindful of the company you keep,” Quinones-Hollins stated. “Sometimes, the company you keep can get you into trouble.”
Quinones-Hollins clarified that her client, John Lee Price, and Lyndell Leroy Price are not related despite sharing the same last name.
Armani Williams and John Lee Price were released on bond.
What happened in Bar 5015 explosion
The Houston Fire Department responded to the explosion on June 12, 2020 around 4:48 a.m. at Bar 5015 at 5015 Almeda Road near the Museum District.
When firefighters arrived, they saw a debris field and several small fires. Those blazes were extinguished within five minutes, firefighters said.
Splintered wood and other debris were scattered down the street and up the block from the bar. Police said a food truck near the area was also destroyed.
Some buildings and homes near the scene sustained damage as well.
RELATED: Homes near the Museum District damaged by Bar 5015 building explosion
On June 18, 2020, surveillance video was released the the public showing four men walking into Bar 5015 with 5-gallon containers of ignitable fluid and poured the fluid throughout the property.
One of the men caused the explosion after pushing a trailer on fire down a ramp where fumes had accumulated, causing the deck to explode.
Over the years, the Turkey Leg Hut has had legal sagas and controversies surrounding the once-popular business.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.