Metro-east man accused of setting insurance agent’s office on fire after dispute

An Edwardsville man upset that he would only get about $1,400 if he cashed out a life insurance policy filed by his grandfather has been charged with arson in connection with a fire at an Alton insurance company, federal court records show.

Jason Dawson, 38, was indicted on an arson charge on Jan. 6, according federal court records and a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Thursday.

“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,” the news release states.

Todd M. Schultz, an assistant federal public defender who represents Dawson, could not be reached for comment Thursday.

The fire occurred around 5:30 p.m. Nov. 22 on an exterior porch at the State Farm insurance office at 32 E. Delmar Ave.

An employee who was dropping off an item at the insurance office discovered the fire and called 911. The office filled with smoke before the Godfrey Fire Protection District extinguished the blaze.

In surveillance video taken at the time, Dawson can be heard stating “where’s my money,” according to charging documents.

The criminal complaint alleges Dawson met with State Farm employees Nov. 21 and was told that if he cashed out the life insurance policy, he would receive about $1,400.

“Dawson then flipped the pen in the air and made a comment if that was all he was going to get that they might as well not do this,” the complaint states.

“Dawson was agitated and said that he was being screwed over like always and stated everyone has it in for” him, according to the complaint.

When All State employees saw Dawson on Nov. 19, he had a short haircut. On Nov. 21, he went to the office wearing a blonde wig, camouflage clothing and full face makeup, according to the complaint.

A man who appeared to be Dawson was seen by witnesses near the State Farm office at the time of the fire Nov. 22, according to court records.

Dawson was arrested Dec. 11 by an agent with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives after a State Farm employee called to report that Dawson wanted to collect his money. He was arrested before entering the office, according to the complaint.

An arson conviction carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, according to the news release.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Hudson is prosecuting the case.

A judge detained Dawson last month, and his trial is scheduled for Feb. 23.