Arson and Attempted Murder

On January 9, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house on fire in the 1800-grid of Cornell Drive outside of Mount Pleasant.  The initial report started the fire started in the living room of the single-family dwelling.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office along with the Mount Pleasant Police Department arrived on scene and began an investigation.  The investigation determined James Seth Ollom, 37 of Mount Pleasant, intentionally set fire to the inside of the residence after a family disturbance.

There were occupants inside the residence when the fire was set.  All occupants were able to escape the residence with only minor injuries.

Mr. Ollom is being charged with Arson in the First Degree and three counts of Attempted Murder; all charges are class B Felonies.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Mount Pleasant Fire Department, Iowa State Patrol, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

***A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.****