William Cody Gene Hatfield was charged with second-degree arson for the Saturday night fire that completely destroyed an unoccupied residence at 1681 Clover Ave. west of Creston.
According to an affidavit filed with the Union County courts, fire officials were notified of the fire at approximately 10:30 p.m. Saturday and upon arrival found the structure completely engulfed in flames.
Creston Fire Department and the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s office conducted interviews with witnesses and determined the fire was intentionally set and that Hatfield had specific knowledge of the residence and the fire. Based on that information, Hatfield was identified as the person who set the fire.
Hatfield is being held on $10,000 bond.
Second-degree arson is a class “C” felony. If convicted, Hatfield faces a possible maximum of 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Creston Fire Chief Todd Jackson said he does not believe Hatfield is connected with another fire that destroyed a commercial building Wednesday night in Orient.