Sarah Elizabeth George, 43, of Boise, was arrested on Monday in Boise on federal criminal charges. According to a criminal complaint, on February 18, 2026, George allegedly stole an ambulance and drove it into the Portico building in Meridian, Idaho. She is accused of dumping gasoline inside both the ambulance and the building with the intention of starting a fire. Prior to this incident, news outlets reported that the Department of Homeland Security had leased part of the Portico building.
A federal grand jury has indicted George on two counts of attempted malicious damage by fire. The first count alleges that she tried to damage or destroy federal property by fire, creating a substantial risk of injury under 18 U.S.C. § 844(f)(2). If convicted on this charge, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and up to 40 years in federal prison. The second count alleges an attempt to damage or destroy property used in interstate commerce by fire under 18 U.S.C. § 844(i), which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years if convicted. Both charges also include potential fines up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
“The United States Attorney’s Office will vigorously prosecute any crime that places government employees in danger or is aimed at destroying federal property,” said U.S. Attorney Davis.
Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI stated: “The FBI worked swiftly alongside our law enforcement partners to identify and arrest the person allegedly responsible for this crime. Given the potentially devastating consequences of this defendant’s actions, this case was a priority. The FBI remains steadfast in ensuring the safety of our personnel and the public.”
U.S. Attorney Davis commended the efforts of several agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Meridian Police Department; and Ada County Prosecutor’s Office for their roles leading to these charges. Assistant United States Attorneys David Robins and Francis Zebari are prosecuting the case.
An indictment represents only an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes throughout Idaho with about 60 staff members including assistant attorneys and administrative personnel. This office operates under federal authority across both urban centers and rural areas within Idaho through its main office and branches.
