Warrant Issued for Arson at Topless Coffee Shop in Maine

Maine fire investigators say a former boyfriend of a waitress at a topless coffee shop is being charged with arson for last year’s fire that destroyed the shop and some adjoining apartments in the small town of Vassalboro.

Officials say an arrest warrant has been issued for 49-year-old Raymond Bellavance of Augusta in connection with the June fire at the Grand View Topless Coffee Shop. Police say they are searching for Bellavance, who hasn’t been seen in a couple of days.

The fire was set hours after club owner Donald Crabtree met with town officials and told them of plans to make the business more like a strip club.

Officials say Crabtree and six family members were living next door, but escaped injury.