Bell City man suspected of burning own home to collect insurance

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Bell City man is behind bars today following an investigation into a fire at his home, the Daily Statesman newspaper reported.

William "Billy" Arnold, 39, turned himself into the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department Tuesday on an outstanding warrant for second-degree arson and stealing by deceit (insurance policy proceeds).

The warrant was issued by Judge Joe Satterfield on July 29 following the May fire that destroyed Arnold's home.

Authorities allege that Arnold knowingly burned his home in an effort to collect insurance proceeds.

According to the case activity report filed by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, an examination into the fire at 25252 Dunn Drive in Bell City led investigators to take a further look into both the property and Arnold.

During the investigation, a K-9 unit was brought into what remained of the home and "alerted" to two areas of floor along a baseboard and along an area of floor that was covered by a sectional couch.

Pieces of baseboard and floor were removed and placed in evidence cans for transportation to the crime lab.

Afterward, the case was officially listed as a criminal investigation awaiting lab results.

In a later interview, Arnold stated that he was unsure if all of the doors on the house were locked and that he, along with his girlfriend and three children, had left for Arrowhead Campground for the weekend.

The fire department reportedly found the front door and back garage door unlocked when they arrived.

Arnold stated in the interview that his girlfriend had told him the dryer had been taking three times longer to dry clothes before they left. He then went on to say that he wanted to leave and told her he would check it out later.

He also stated that the LP gas tank on the barbecue grill was shut off, but upon the fire department's arrival, they found it to be opened.

Arnold was slated to appear before Satterfield this morning for arraignment.

He is being housed in the Stoddard County Jail on a $250,000 cash-only bond.

Pertinent address:

25252 Dunn Drive, Bell City, Mo.