Arson charges filed against homeowner in Aug. 25 fire
Arson charges have been filed against a homeowner who set her house on fire late Saturday, Aug. 25.
Alecia Laurel Hanson, 27, of New Prague, allegedly used lighter fluid to set the house on fire. Police discovered the fire after they had been called to the residence, at 105 North Pershing Avenue, to check on a depressed female.
While firefighters were battling the fire, Hansen returned to the residence and gave a statement to officers admitting to a history of depression and to using charcoal lighter fluid to set the house on fire. She was taken to Queen of Peace Hospital and placed on a 72-hour health and safety hold.
Hansen has been charged with first-degree arson of a dwelling. If convicted, she faces a maximum 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.