North Dakota Police Say 2 Face Charge in House Fire

April 23, 2013

Jamestown, N.D., police say two people face multiple felony charges stemming from a November fire in Jamestown.

Jamestown detective Sgt. Tom Nagel tells The Jamestown Sun that Derek Lee Carlson is charged with arson and criminal conspiracy. He was arrested Thursday.

Mary Kay Carlson is charged with criminal conspiracy, tampering with physical evidence and fraudulent insurance acts. She is being sought by authorities.

Attorney information was not listed.

Nagel says Derek Carlson is accused of starting the fire with the purpose of collecting insurance for the loss. He says charges against other individuals are possible as the investigation continues.

Jamestown fire chief Jim Reuther says damages to the home and contents are estimated at $140,000. He says the decision to burn the house put responders and neighbors at risk.