Arson Suspected Ark. at Sheriff’s Home; Retaliation a Possibility

A home being built in Humphrey, Ark., by the Jefferson County sheriff has burned in an apparent arson.

State police are investigating the blaze. Sheriff Gerald Robinson says he believes the fire was set to retaliate against him for investigations by his agency.

The two-story house had been under construction for about a month. Robinson says he was suspicious as soon as he heard of the blaze because the home did not have electricity or other utilities hooked up yet.

The 4,400-square-foot house was a total loss, and the sheriff put the value at between $60,000 and $80,000.

Since taking office in January, Robinson has targeted drug dealers, deadbeat dads and hot check writers.