Monday, October 19th, 2026 — A Florida couple faces multiple felony charges after Pennsylvania authorities accused them of intentionally setting fire to their residence in Lackawanna County and subsequently collecting insurance money for the loss.
The investigation centers on a July 25 fire that destroyed a home in Fell Township's Simpson neighborhood. Firefighters responded around 1:45 a.m. and found the residence engulfed in flames. No occupants were inside when emergency crews arrived.
According to police, investigators recovered three gasoline cans from the property, and an accelerant-detection dog alerted to the possible presence of an accelerant. Authorities also discovered discrepancies between the couple's account of their whereabouts and evidence collected during the investigation.
The couple reportedly told investigators they had departed for South Carolina the evening before the fire. However, police said cellphone records placed them at the property, while a neighbor reported seeing a truck associated with one of the suspects leaving approximately 30 minutes before firefighters were dispatched.
Investigators also examined the property's financial circumstances. Police allege the couple had listed the home for sale several weeks before the fire and submitted an insurance claim less than four days after its destruction. Court records indicate they subsequently received $10,000 for personal property and additional living expenses.
The allegations illustrate how physical evidence, communications records, witness accounts and claim documentation can figure into suspected insurance fraud investigations. In this case, authorities examined the timing of the insurance claim alongside evidence that challenged the couple's reported movements before the fire.
Both defendants face charges including arson, insurance fraud, risking catastrophe, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and conspiracy. One defendant faces an additional reckless endangerment charge.
The couple remained in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail each, with preliminary hearings scheduled for Oct. 26. The charges remain allegations, and neither defendant has been convicted in connection with the fire.
