Media Release: W.Va. State Fire Marshals charge Barbour County woman

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office today announced the arrest of a Barbour County woman on charges alleging she intentionally set fire to a residence in January.

 

Investigators with the WVSFMO have charged Dessie R. Payne, 76, of Belington with first-degree arson and burning insured property in connection with a fire on Jan. 25 at a home on Serpell Avenue in Belington.

 

During the investigative process it was determined that the tenant, Dessie R. Payne, was at the residence during the fire. Payne filed a claim with her insurance company for the loss due to the fire. Damages to the structure are estimated to be greater than $100,000.

 

Payne was arrested on Feb. 20 without incident released on $5,000 personal recognizance bond by a Barbour County magistrate.

 

The arrest was made by Assistant State Fire Marshal R. Sovastion.

###