Mother and Son Charged in Maine Arson Fire

March 27, 2009

A mother and son are facing arson charges for allegedly setting fire to a four-unit apartment house in Sanford next door to a complex where they lived.

Police and fire officials told the Journal Tribune in Biddeford that 46-year-old Janice Fortier and her 23-year-old son, Raymond Fortier, are charged in the Jan. 6 fire that sent 14 people fleeing into the streets with just the clothes on their backs.

Officials said the fire started at the rear of the apartment house while the tenants were asleep inside. Authorities aren’t revealing any motive.

Janice Fortier was arrested earlier this month at her Sanford home. Her son was arrested by U.S. marshals in Panama City, Fla.
___

Information from: Journal Tribune