Rural Gassville man charged with arson

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     A Baxter County man was arrested following an investigation into a residential structure fire reported earlier this month on Wildcat Shoals Road. According to Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery, 25-year-old Scott Willett of rural Gassville is charged with a Class A felony count of Arson.
     The fire occurred September 5th, and sheriff's investigators were called to the scene after it was determined to have suspicious elements including several items from inside the home located in the yard. A small propane torch was found lying in debris in the master bedroom and taken into evidence.
     Willett resided at the home owned by his mother, and he initially told investigators he arrived back at the residence and found emergency personnel on the scene. He also said he did not know how the fire started.
     A neighbor had video surveillance cameras and provided investigators with footage to establish a time line and chain of events from the fire. Willett was allegedly observed on camera leaving the residence that morning at 11:36, and smoke was seen on the footage 30 seconds later.
     When interviewed Tuesday by investigators, Willett confessed to setting the fire. Investigators asked why he set the fire, and he said, "God told me to."
     Willett was already in custody in the Baxter County Detention Center on a misdemeanor charge. His bond is currently at $75,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Baxter County Circuit Court.

   

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