Man set Illinois spas on fire, court docs say

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. - A man accused of setting two Cahokia Heights spas on fire, which killed one woman, told investigators he started the fires after a sexual encounter left him upset, according to a federal criminal complaint.

A massive fire destroyed Fuji Super Spa on S. 88th St. around 3 a.m. Monday. A woman’s remains were found inside the business the following day.

On Wednesday, federal prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois charged Quentin Hanks with one count of arson in connection with the fires.

Investigators believe the crime began at another spa just down the street, where another fire broke out at One Spa around the same time, according to the criminal complaint. The damage there was mostly in the waiting room.

Prosecutors said witnesses helped investigators identify a suspicious man who had been at the spa shortly before the fire. Investigators then used phone records and surveillance video to connect Hanks to the scene around the time of the blaze.

ATF special agents then began a search for Hanks in St. Louis and took him into custody without incident.

According to court records, Hanks admitted to using a lighter to set a couch on fire at One Spa before going next door to Fuji Super Spa and starting another fire. Court records say Hanks was angry about a sexual encounter that he had paid for at One Spa. Hanks allegedly claimed the same employee worked at both businesses.

Investigators said Hanks did not warn anyone about the fires being set and assumed people could be inside both spas, per the criminal complaint. Hanks reportedly stated he was under the influence of marijuana.

U.S. Attorney Steve Weinhoeft said federal authorities moved quickly in response to the case.

“The Department of Justice has instructed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices that violent crime is to be our number one priority,” he said. “In addition to prioritizing the cases, we are to have a rapid response. That's why you're seeing a very quick federal response within 48 hours.”

Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the woman whose remains were recovered or the cause of her death.

“Unfortunately, there were remains recovered. If the investigation concludes that her death resulted from the fire, we would expect to upgrade those charges,” Weinhoeft said.

Depending on the investigation’s findings, Hanks could face a charge of arson resulting in death. Weinhoeft said that charge carries no maximum sentence.

A woman at One Spa declined to speak with FOX 2 News. She said she was neither the owner nor an employee but was helping look after the business.

Weinhoeft said he could not comment on the allegations involving Hanks’ payment for a sexual encounter. Cahokia Heights Police said any investigation into those allegations would be handled by federal agencies.

Meanwhile, Hanks remains in federal custody pending further court proceedings.

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