The man who investigators said lit the blaze that engulfed one of New York City's largest parking garages in smoke and flames went before a judge for the first time on Tuesday afternoon.
Evon Stephens, 23, confessed to the crime, according to the criminal complaint against him.
It also said that the self-described homeless man lit the fire for reasons involving sex taking place at the garage.
For the second day in a row on Tuesday, Kings Plaza mall was closed for business.
The closure followed the conflagration which left 21 people injured, including 18 firefighters, and totaled at least 135 vehicles, most of them Mercedes, according to the complaint.
The fire broke out on the garage's second floor.