(WWJ) A Plymouth Township man is facing felony charges after authorities say he burned down his own home in 2019 to collect the insurance payout.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Thursday that 40-year-old Patrick Nolan was arraigned in Wayne County 35th District Court on one count of arson of an insured dwelling, a felony punishable by life in prison and fines
and one count of second-degree arson, a felony punishable by 20 years in prison and/or $20,000 or three times the value of the property, whichever is greater.
The Attorney General's Office worked along with the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Fraud Investigation Unit and Michigan State Police to investigate the case.
Investigators concluded that the fire, early in the morning of Jan. 1, 2019, originated in three separate unconnected areas of the home on Shefield Court: the master bedroom, basement storage room and a hallway.
It was found that gasoline was used to set the fire, that the source of the ignition was an open flame that ignited the vapors, and that the fire was human-caused.
Review of the infotainment system in Nolan's truck found he was parked at the residence less than two hours before the fire was reported by a neighbor.
The AG noted that Nolan owned the home, which was insured for loss caused by fire.
"When one person tries to take advantage of insurance coverage through criminal acts, it affects all of us," Nessel said. "I appreciate the investigative coordination between my office and DIFS that resulted in these serious criminal charges."
Nolan's bond was set at $250,000, 10%, with the conditions he must forfeit all weapons, his passport and will be placed on a tether if released.
"Mr. Nolan is accused of committing a serious and potentially dangerous crime, and I am pleased with the work of investigators in law enforcement, the DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit, and the Attorney General's office in this matter," DIFS Director Anita Fox said. "Insurance fraud costs all of us in the form of increased premiums, and Michiganders who suspect fraud in the insurance or financial services industries are asked to report it online at Michigan.gov/ReportFraud2DIFS or by calling 877-999-6442."
Nolan's next court date is a probable cause conference set for July 16.
