LEWIS COUNTY FIRE DEEMED ARSON

On Sunday, March 15, 2020, members of the Lewis County Sheriff's Office responded to a house fire located at 112 W. La Grange Street.  The Western Lewis County Fire Protection District, Lewis County R-4 Fire District and Newark Fire Department responded  and were able to extinguish the fire.  Upon investigation, the deputies felt the fire was suspicious.  The Missouri Fire Marshall's Office was contacted to further investigate.  On March 18, 2020, members of the Sheriff's Office and the Missouri Fire Marshall's Office arrested the owner of the residence, Dakota M. Moore, age 27, on one count of conspiracy to commit arson in the 2nd degree, a class E felony.  Cameron M. Niethe, age 27, of rural Lewistown, Missouri was also arrested for one count of arson in the 2nd degree, a class D felony.  Based on the investigation, it appears the subjects burned the home in an attempt to collect the insurance.

Mr. Moore and Mr. Niethe were released on a summons in the criminal matter and given an April 20, 2020 court date.

The Lewis County Sheriff's Office was also assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

**** All subjects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.****