Two Perry Men Arrested on Arson Related Charges

The State Fire Marshal’s Office Friday arrested two men from Perry on arson related charges in connection with a house fire in the town last year. One of those arrested was one of members of the Perry Board of Selectmen.

According to police, the charges are:

Maine State Police

Scott A. MacNichol, 35, from Johnson Road, who also serves as a selectman. Charged with:

· Arson (Class A) in violation of 17-A M.R.S.A. §802(1)(A)

· Arson (Class A) in violation of17-A M.R.S.A. §802(1)(B)(2)

· Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Arson (Class B) in violation of 17-A M.R.S.A. §151(1)(B)

Maine State Police

Jeffrey Morrison, 36, from Shore Road, Perry. Charged with:

· Perjury (Class C) in violation of 17-A M.R.S.A. §451(1)(A)

· Arson (Class A) in violation of 17-A M.R.S.A. §802(1)(B)(1)

· Arson (Class A) in violation of17-A M.R.S.A. §802(1)(B)(2)

· Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Arson (Class B) in violation of 17-A M.R.S.A. §151(1)(B)

· Insurance Deception (Class B) in violation of 17-A M.R.S.A. §354-A(1)(B)(1)

Fire Marshal Investigator Jeremy Damren said the investigation began following a fire on April 26, 2014 that destroyed a vacant single family home belonging to Morrison on Lake Road in Perry.

Damren said, the house was burned to collect insurance proceeds. The investigative case was presented recently to Washington County District Attorney, Matt Foster, who approved the charges and the arrests of both men.

Fire Marshals were assisted during the 18 month investigation by the Washington County Sheriffs Office and State Police.

Morrison and MacNichols, who are good friends, are now free on bail after being taken to the Washington County Jail, said police