Father and Son Found Guilty of Arson and Insurance Fraud in Michigan Restaurant Fire

A father and son from Michigan have been convicted of arson and insurance fraud in connection with a 2023 fire that destroyed their family-run restaurant. David Robinson, 50, and Ryan Robinson, 30, co-owners of Charlie’s Family Grill in White Cloud, were both found guilty of arson of insured property. Ryan Robinson was also convicted on two counts of false pretenses related to fraudulent insurance claims for both the restaurant and a garage fire earlier that year.

The fire, which broke out in March 2023, prompted an extensive response from local fire crews, who worked to prevent the flames from spreading to neighboring structures. Investigators testified that the fire originated in both the attic and the basement—an unusual pattern that raised suspicions of intentional ignition. Surveillance footage captured the Robinsons’ vehicles leaving the scene just seven seconds before smoke was seen emerging from the building.

In addition to the restaurant fire, authorities scrutinized a garage fire at the Robinsons’ residence in February 2023. During the investigation, a pool liner claimed as destroyed in that fire was later identified in a social media photo posted by a Michigan pool installation company, indicating potential misrepresentation.

With sentencing still pending, the convictions highlight how fire forensics, surveillance, and digital tools are critical in detecting and proving insurance fraud. Insurance professionals should note the role of coordinated investigative efforts in exposing complex fraudulent schemes.