Illinois Woman Faces Arson Charges in 5 Fires

A Decatur, Ill., woman charged with arson in a string of fires on her block says she’s not to blame.

The woman, 47-year-old Karleen Singleton, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on five counts of arson later this month. Singleton told The Associated Press that none of the charges is true.

Decatur Fire Department inspector Mike Wigginton says, since October, the department has been called to about 12 fires on or near the block where Singleton lives. He tells the (Decatur) Herald & Review that evidence connects Singleton with five of the fires, including three at her home.

She’s charged with one count of aggravated arson, punishable by up to 30 years in prison. She also faces one count of attempted aggravated arson and three counts of arson.

Information from: Herald & Review