Kan. Firefighter, Wife Charged with Arson, Insurance Fraud

A Kansas firefighter and his wife are charged with multiple felonies in an alleged insurance fraud-arson scheme.

Shawnee Heights Fire District firefighter Laramie McPherson and his wife Christine McPherson are accused of trying to set fire to their 1999 Toyota Camry on Feb. 21, 2007. District Attorney Robert Hecht said Tuesday the McPhersons aimed to defraud an insurance company.

A Shawnee County deputy sent to check out a vehicle parked in a grassy area off a road found the car. Hecht said there were burn marks inside the vehicle caused by fireworks being set off in an attempt at burning the car.

Authorities said Laramie McPherson arrived at the scene and claimed the car had been stolen from his home. He has been placed on administrative leave from the fire district.