FLORIDA – Condo resident charged with arson in fire that caused about $4M worth of damage, killed three cats

Apr 15

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CCFJ.NET:  Condo resident charged with arson in fire that caused about $4M worth of damage, killed three cats

Article Courtesy of The Sun Sentinel
By Paula McMahon

Published April 11, 2018
Two hours before a fire caused $4 million worth of damage to 28 condos in Coral Springs earlier this year, investigators say one of the residents bought a red plastic five-gallon container at a nearby gas station and filled it at the pump.

 

On Monday, Nathan Counts, 39, pleaded not guilty to an arson charge in federal court in Fort Lauderdale. He has agreed to remain jailed while the case is pending.

Prosecutors say the former Ramblewood East condos resident poured the gasoline around the unit, where he had lived for several years with his longtime fiancée, then used a cigarette lighter to ignite the lunchtime blaze.

The couple’s three pet cats died in the fire, and dozens of residents were forced to move out of the building, which was damaged by flames, smoke and water.

Several witnesses told investigators they heard Counts arguing with his fiancée outside the building and that they heard the woman blaming Counts for the massive fire.

Counts initially denied any responsibility but, three days later, authorities said he called law enforcement and left a voicemail admitting that he had bought gas and started the fire in Unit 207. He later gave a full confession with more details, they said. Read more:

http://www.ccfj.net/condoArsonCharge.html

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