IBERVILLE PARISH (July 14, 2020)- The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) has arrested an Addis man for setting a house boat on fire around this time last year.
Donald Melancon, 39, was booked into the Iberville Parish Jail on July 10, 2020, one count of Simple Arson.
On August 2, 2019, the White Castle Fire Department requested the assistance of the SFM to investigate a house boat fire that occurred a few days prior in the False Branch Canal off of Highway 69 south of White Castle. Deputies learned there was evidence that the camp next door, owned by the same owners of the house boat, had been broken into as well.
After an assessment of the house boat scene, SFM investigators determined the fire was intentionally set.
Through extensive investigative efforts, Melancon was identified as a suspect in the case and a warrant was obtained for his arrest.
Despite several efforts over many months to meet with Melancon to discuss the case, he eluded deputies. Ultimately, a warrant was issued for his arrest and he was taken into custody at his home on July 10th.