Suspect arrested months after Molotov cocktail attack on Lake Wales insurance business

Suspect in Lake Wales business arson caught

Lake Wales police say they've arrested the man accused of vandalizing an insurance business earlier this year by throwing Molotov cocktails, firing a shot, and spray-painting "Civil War Trump." Carla Bayron reports.

LAKE WALES, Fla. - Lake Wales police say they've arrested the man accused of vandalizing an insurance business earlier this year by throwing Molotov cocktails, firing a shot, and spray-painting "Civil War Trump."

The backstory:

According to the Lake Wales Police Department, two Molotov cocktails were thrown through the front lobby glass of UniVista Insurance off SR 60 on March 20, 2025.

Investigators also found the words "Civil War Trump" spray-painted on the window, along with a bullet hole in the wall opposite the front door.

Police say they traced the Toyota Prius involved in the crime back to a company that employed Jason Roberts, who did not show up at work that day and resigned days later.

Detectives also say Roberts is the brother of the co-owner of a competing insurance company in the same plaza as UniVista.

"The sister told us during an interview that she did talk with her father about being upset that UniVista moved in next door and if it was going to affect her finances of running the business," said Lt. Dale Hampton, a police spokesperson. "Since Jason Roberts wouldn't talk to us about his motive, it’s our assumption he saw his sister upset, and he decided to retaliate."

Investigators later tracked down Roberts in Jasper, Georgia, and arrested him on Thursday, July 17.

Hampton added that it doesn't appear at this time the suspect's sister knew he was going to carry out the crime.

Mugshot of Jason Roberts. Courtesy: Pickens County Jail.

What they're saying:

German Portillo, the franchise owner of UniVista Insurance off SR 60, received the news he had been waiting for since late March. 

"It's sad knowing the connection of who did it," said Portillo. 

Since the incident, Portillo said his business has taken a financial hit.  His customers have been scared to stop by, and he hasn't been able to replace his decal to attract more customers.

However, as a pastor in his community, he's passing along a message of forgiveness.

"My human mind is telling me to do something, but my heart is telling me to forgive, to hug and to pray with them," he said. "That's what my heart is telling me. The love of Christ to the people that harm you."

Portillo said the plaza's property manager may relocate his business a few doors down.

What's next:

Roberts faces the following charges:

• Armed burglary of an unoccupied structure
• Possession of firebombs (two counts)
• Arson
• Shooting into a dwelling
• Felony criminal mischief
• Discharging a firearm in public