Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives took Lunceford into custody at his home in Gulf Shores, said Mike Messinger, the resident agent in charge of the agency's Mobile office. Lunceford is expected to make an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Mobile.
Lunceford, 62, previously has vigorously maintained his innocence.
Authorities opened an investigation immediately after the November 2007 fire consumed Nick's at Gulf Shores, a restaurant across from Jack Edwards Airport. The restaurant, which was renting space from Lunceford's limited liability company, had been open less than three months."
