Vinton trio indicted in home burning scheme

By: WSLS News Staff news@wsls.com | WSLS
Published: October 22, 2009

A Vinton couple and family friend face federal charges, after investigators say they schemed to burn down a home to collect the insurance money.

A federal grand jury indicted Aaron Eugene Woods, Melissa Combow, and Shawn Combow on charges of:

Using fire to commit a felony

Causing malicious damage to a building using fire

Conspiracy to commit arson

Conspiracy

3 counts each of wire fraud

2 counts each of mail fraud

As WSLS first reported back in July, investigators claim Shawn Combow promised Woods $5,000 in insurance money, as well as a new washing machine, for agreeing to set the fire to the Combo's home on Hardy Road.

The indictment claims conversations about the scheme took place between the Combows and Woods between September and December of 2008. The feds say the Combows told Woods that they needed to make extensive repairs to the home, and also owed more than $4,000 in real estate taxes to Roanoke County.

Investigators believe the trio's plan called for the Combows to leave town on December 26th and 27th, and Woods would set fire to the house while they were away. Investigators say Woods took a washer and dryer, as well as a coffee table and end table from the home, before he set fire to it. Investigators believe the appliances and table were a down payment.

The indictment also alleges that Woods used gasoline left for him by Shawn Combow on December 27th, to start the fire.

At the end of December, investigators say Shawn Combow began filing for insurance through U.S. Mail, the phone, and fax machine.

If convicted, the U.S. Attorney's Office says each of the trio faces up a minimum of 10 years in prison on the use of fire to commit a felony charge, a minimum term of incarceration of 5 years and up to 20 years for the malicious damage caused by fire (arson) count, up to 20 years incarceration for the conspiracy to commit arson count, up to 5 years for the conspiracy count, and up to 20 years for each wire and mail fraud count.

The ATF, Vinton Police, and Roanoke County Fire Marshal's office worked together on the case.