Two 18-year-olds have been arrested on arson charges, the Maine State Fire Marshal announced on Thursday, and are suspected of involvement with a string of seven arson incidents that took place between November and March.
[RELATED: Homeless Man Charged with Arson for Fire that Caused $20,000 in Damage to Bangor Building…]
Authorities arrested Jacob Kaiser, 18, of Biddeford on Tuesday for an alleged March 1 arson incident that destroyed a vacant single-family home at 14 Madeleine Point Road, Yarmouth.
Kaiser was transported to the Cumberland County Jail and has since been released on bail.
The Marshal also announced the March 20 arrest of James Akers, 18, of Portland, who was arrested in connection with a March 19 fire targeting a U.S. Forest Service sign at the intersection of Princess Point Rd. and Lafayette St. in Yarmouth. Like Kaiser, Akers has since been released on bail after being taken to the Cumberland County Jail.
The two teenagers are believed to be connected to a string of other alleged arson incidents as well, including:
- 11/17/2024 – Elan School, Poland (vacant building)
- 11/17/2024 – 508 West Main Street, Yarmouth (building materials)
- 01/02/2025 – 508 West Main Street, Yarmouth (vacant residence under construction)
- 03/01/2025 – Elan School, Poland (vacant building)
- 03/07/2025 – Elan School, Poland (vacant building)
Though Agers and Kaiser were each only arrested in connection with one fire, evidence suggested that they were involved in the other incidents, along with other unspecified criminal activity during the same time period, according to the report, and the Fire Marshal expects additional charges to follow further investigation.
Two 17-year-olds are also implicated in the string of arson incidents and are expected to be charged.
The Fire Marshal’s office has had a busy week, with other arson incidents occurring across the state.
On Monday, the Marshal investigated a fire at Bangor Braces, a business located at 257 Harlow St. in Bangor. The investigation led to the arrest of 30-year-old Kerry Smith, a homeless man who allegedly lit a fire near two plastic trash cans on the building’s exterior before the flames spread indoors and ultimately caused an estimated $20,000 worth of damage.
Just one day later, the Marshal’s office investigated another alleged arson incident at a single-family home at 327 West Street in Rockport. The investigation led to the arrest of the house’s only occupant, 35-year-old Andrea Annis, who allegedly set her own house ablaze.
She faces an array of charges for arson, refusing to submit to arrest or detention, burning prohibited materials, and burning without a permit.
