Two men, one of them a Perry selectman, were arrested Friday on arson-related charges in connection with a fire that destroyed a vacant house in the Washington County town last year.

Scott MacNichol, 35, the selectman, was charged with two counts of arson and criminal conspiracy to commit arson. Jeffrey Morrison, 36, of Perry was charged with perjury, two counts of arson, criminal conspiracy to commit arson and insurance deception.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office said it made the arrests following an investigation into the April 26, 2014, fire that destroyed a vacant single-family home owned by Morrison.

Fire Marshal Investigator Jeremy Damren said the house was burned to collect insurance money.

The two men, who are good friends, were released on bail, the fire marshal’s office said.

The investigation was conducted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Maine State Police.

 


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