Ex-Indianapolis Police Officer Charged with Arson in Apartment Fire

Authorities say a former Indianapolis police officer has been charged with arson in a fire at apartment complex and is a suspect in nine other fires since September.

Jesse Russell was arrested on preliminary charges of arson and criminal mischief in a May 14 fire at Lakeview Terrace Apartments. The three-year veteran resigned after detectives confronted him with allegations.

Defense lawyer Jeff Mendes says Russell denies setting any fires. He is scheduled to appear in Marion Superior Court on June 1.

A preliminary probable cause affidavit says police suspect Russell set fires in six vehicles, a boat and three apartment buildings.

Police say Russell often was at the scene of the fires or directed firefighters to the location of the flames.

Information from: The Indianapolis Star