Illinois Man Accused of Setting Fire to Insurance Agent’s Office

An Edwardsville, Illinois man is facing a federal arson charge for allegedly setting fire to an insurance office building in Alton, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Illinois.

A federal grand jury charged Jason Dawson, 38, with one count of arson.

According to charging documents, Dawson is accused of setting fire to an insurance office building on East Delmar Avenue in Alton on Nov. 22, 2025. A State Farm insurance agency is listed at the address.

The complaint alleges Dawson was upset about the amount for a life insurance policy cashout after a meeting with employees on Nov. 21 and returned to the office the following day to set the building on fire.

Arson convictions are punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

ATF is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Hudson is prosecuting the case.