Robert Dorning is the heir to the shoe factory of his father Harold Dorning. Robert wanted more money, so he hired career arsonist Dave Randall to burn the factory down for the insurance money. When an employee, Karen Whatney, found out the truth, Robert solicited Mike McDugan to terrorize Karen, but McDugan killed her by chasing her off an overpass.
Robert pulled out all the stops to prevent the trial, from harassing witnesses to disappearing accomplices, even blaming Harold. When the conspiracy was traced back to him, Robert was found guilty and imprisoned. (L&O: "Menace")