Cape man charged in October fire in Jackson

A Cape Girardeau man was charged Tuesday with setting a fire that destroyed an abandoned house on Union Street in Jackson.

Michael D. Bell, 20, was charged with second-degree arson by the Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney's office.

The State Fire Marshall investigated the fire, which was Oct. 24 set in the early morning hours.

Bell is in custody in lieu of $30,000 bail. Police say the investigation continues and more arrests are possible.

He also faces unrelated charges filed in November for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Bell pleaded guilty Oct. 31, 2000, to misdemeanor stealing and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.