Affidavit Provides Motive for New Hampshire Arson Fires

Newly unsealed court documents say a 56-year-old woman allegedly set three fires at her New Hampshire condominium complex in hopes that other residents in the building would be blamed.

Cheryl Wheaton of Salem, Mass., was indicted last month on three counts of arson in connection with fires at a condominium building in Derry where she lived last year.

An affidavit says Wheaton told police she wanted certain people to leave the building following a shooting there in April 2011.

Assistant Rockingham County Attorney Patricia Conway told WMUR-TVthat Wheaton allegedly set fires last July, August and October in hopes that other residents would be blamed and be kicked out of the building.

The fires caused only minor damage, but prosecutors say they created a dangerous situation for residents.