A newly-elected alderman finds himself on the wrong side of the law, after admitting that he intentionally set his house on fire. The Bossier Sheriff's Office arrested Phillip D. Smith, 38, of Haughton, Thursday.
He's charged with aggravated arson for torching his own home on Wednesday evening.
According to authorities, a neighbor helped Smith extinguish the fire, but not before damage was caused to the kitchen and master bathroom.
An initial assessment revealed that someone had intentionally set the fire, and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office and Bossier Sheriff’s Office began their investigation.
After interviewing Smith, he admitted to setting the fire.
No other persons are being charged. Smith was transported to the Bossier Maximum Security Facility and booked; bond is pending.
Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office estimates about $20,000 in fire and smoke damage.
Smith was just elected on Tuesday, November 6th. He is set to take office January 1, 2013.
Haughton Mayor Carlton "Pee Wee" Anderson says he is devastated by the findings and is waiting to see what happens next with the legal process.