Arkansas Developer’s Trial on Arson, Insurance Fraud Charges Begins

Jury selection has started in the federal trial of an Arkansas attorney and real estate developer charged with arson and fraud.

Prosecutors say Aaron Jones of Saline County set fire to his home in an attempt to collect the insurance money and that he filed a $2.8 million claim after the May 30, 2008, blaze.

A grand jury indictment says the fire occurred not long after Jones was not able to make a $331,000 balloon payment on the home.

Jones faces three counts of mail fraud and one count of knowingly using fire to commit mail fraud. Jones has pleaded not guilty and told authorities that he was bound by an intruder, who then set the home on fire.