Burr and Laird Arrested in Connection to 2012 House Fire

BY LEANN DILBECK –

Mena Police Department has made two arrests in a 12-month old case stemming from a “suspicious” house fire at a home on Westmoreland Drive off Hwy 375S that was owned by Michael White.

Alisha Burr, age 27, has been arrested and charged with Arson {5-38-301}, a Class A Felony, three counts of Aggravated Assault {5-13-204}, a Class D Felony, and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree {5-38-203a1}, a Class D Felony.

Also charged in the same case was Adam Laird, age 36, who was charged only with Criminal Mischief in the First Degree {5-38-203a1}.

Both appeared in Polk County Circuit Court before the Honorable Judge J.W. Looney. Bond was set for Burr at $25,000. She is being represented by Ernie Witt of Ozark, Ark. Laird’s bond was set at $10,000.  He is being represented by Wayland Parker of Greenwood, Ark.

While both have been charged, Prosecutor Andy Riner emphasized that they are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Documents filed state that Burr allegedly on or about September 21, 2012, started a fire with the purpose of destroying or damaging property. The act, thereby, negligently created a risk of death or serious physical injury. The property sustained at least $15,000 worth of damage, constituting a Class “A” Felony.

If found guilty of Arson, Burr could face 6 to 30 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. Both Burr and Laird are no longer in custody after posting bond.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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