Louisiana Man Charged with Arson, Conspiracy

Fire investigators have arrested a Louisiana man on charges of arson with intent to defraud, conspiracy to commit arson with intent to defraud and filing a false police report.

Lafayette Fire Department officials say the arrest was the result of a five-month investigation into a fire of a vehicle owned by Roy Whiteman.

Officials say Whiteman allegedly reported the vehicle stolen in March, but it was later found burnt in the parish. Investigators believe the fire was part of an attempt to defraud the insurance and financial companies.

Whiteman was arrested in Idabel, Okla. with the help of the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Department.

Investigators transported Whiteman back to Lafayette on Thursday. He was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.