Federal court records show an arrest in a Vinton arson case from last year.
An ATF agent accused Aaron Woods, of Vinton, of weapons violations and court papers claim he set a house fire on December 27, 2008 at 1333 Hardy Road in Vinton.
The fire destroyed the home.
In a search warrant for Woods' residence, investigators claim Shawn Combow promised Woods $5,000 in insurance money and a new washing machine for agreeing to set the fire.
Investigators said Combow and his wife lived in the home.
The search warrant states Combow's wife later confessed to investigators, then complained Woods might have double-crossed the couple before setting the house on fire.
Court papers reveal Combow and Woods planned the arson for several weeks.
Investigators believe the plan called for Woods to switch a new washing machine in the home with his old one.
Combow's wife, Michelle, told investigators two weeks after the fire she believed Woods also switched the home dryer with his, as well as took some valuable family antiques out of the home before starting the fire.
A source with knowledge of the investigation confirmed authorities intend to try to indict the Combows for their alleged roles in the crimes soon.
Woods is in the Roanoke City Jail. A bond hearing is scheduled for Wednesday on several weapons charges unrelated to the arson.
Shawn Combow is currently in the Western Virginia Regional Jail after a conviction on unrelated marijuana and weapons charges.
He is set to serve most of the next five years in prison, according to the state court website.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement