The State Fire Marshal’s Office says that two have been arrested in connection with an RV fire in St. Martinville.
Courtesy LSFM
Deputies say that 34-year-old Leroy Begnaud, III of New Iberia and a 16-year-old were arrested in connection with the fire that destroyed an RV, two ATV side-by-sides, and three 4-wheelers.
The fire, according to deputies, was reported on May 23 in the 4300 block of Main Highway in St. Martinville.
At the time of the fire, the St. Martin Parish Fire District requested assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office in determining a cause.
Deputies say that an assessment of the scene indicated that the fire was intentionally set inside the RV.
A 16-year-old was arrested after a traffic stop uncovered items reportedly stolen from the camper. The teenager allegedly admitted to investigators that he assisted Begnaud in burglarizing the camper and then setting it on fire.
Begnaud was arrested on Wednesday, May 29 and deputies say that during questioning he allegedly admitted to the burglary and setting the fire.
Begnaud was booked into the Iberia Parish Jail on a hold to be transferred to St. Martin Parish Jail to face one count each of Simple Arson, Criminal Trespass, and Criminal Conspiracy.
The 16-year-old was also arrested on those same charges.
The investigation was a collaboration between the State Fire Marshal’s Office, St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, and New Iberia Police Department,
