Man Charged With Arson, Insurance Fraud Related to Fire at His Home

A Vermont man has been charged with first degree arson and insurance fraud for allegedly setting fire to his own home in Stamford.

The Stamford Fire Department responded to a fire on Mill Road on the morning of December 27. Crews observed heavy black smoke from the eaves and a smoke-filled first floor with flames visible at the base of walls along both sides of a staircase. Firefighters reported they were able to save the structure.

Stamford Fire Chief Paul Ethier contacted the Vermont Department of Public Safety Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit for assistance in determining the origin and cause of the fire. The investigation unit determined the cause to be arson and, upon further investigation, identified Joseph Pallas, of Stamford, as the individual who investigators believe purposely set fire to his residence.

Vermont State Police reported that on December. 30, Pallas was issued a citation on charges of first-degree arson and insurance fraud. He is scheduled to appear for arraignment in February in the criminal division of Vermont Superior Court in Bennington.

The affidavit of probable cause will be made public following Pallas’ arraignment.