Two arrested for arson, insurance fraud
Theresa Marie Norton, 30, of Pierce, and Jason L. Stacy, 29, of Kooskia, were arrested separately April 16 and remain in jail on arson and insurance fraud charges stemming from an investigation by Clearwater County Sheriff’s detectives, according to a news release issued by the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
Upon arriving at her residence on the morning of April 8, Norton called 911 to report “damaged furniture and the smell of smoke,” according to CCSO.
Idaho Deputy Fire Marshall Don Strong determined that the fire at Norton’s home was intentionally started on a mattress located in the house’s basement. The preliminary damage estimate was $40,000, according to CCSO.
Norton’s criminal complaint stated that she instructed Stacy “as to the timing of the anticipated arson event, so as to cause suspicion of arson to be levied against Darrell Norton,” her husband, and away from Norton herself, according to CCSO.
The criminal complaint also stated that Norton prepared the scene of the fire and instructed Stacy how to initiate an arson fire. According to CCSO, the document disclosed that Stacy caused an arson fire by utilizing the candle and accelerant provided by Norton. Norton and Stacy agreed on a division of insurance proceeds.
Norton was arrested by Inv. Sgt. Mitch Jared at her residence in Pierce as she finished meeting with an insurance adjuster. She was charged with arson in the first degree, conspiracy to commit first degree arson, and insurance fraud, according to CCSO.
Stacy turned himself in at the Clearwater County Sheriff’s office and was arrested for arson in the third degree.
Clearwater County Prosecutor Clayne Tyler asked Second Judicial Magistrate Judge Randall Robinson for a $150,000 bond for Norton, which was granted, according to CCSO. Norton was appointed public defender Alison Brandt and is scheduled for an April 28 preliminary hearing at the Clearwater County courthouse.
Stacy was given a $3,000 bond and public defender Patricia Evans was appointed as his attorney, according to CCSO. An April 24 preliminary hearing is scheduled for Stacy.