Owner accused of trying to torch building for insurance money

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington building owner is accused of trying to destroy his building in order to receive money from an insurance claim.

According to a news release from Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, David Lawrence Rouen, 75, was charged with one count each of solicitation to commit insurance fraud, solicitation to commit second degree arson and attempting to obtain property by false pretense.

Investigators with the Wilmington Police Department and Department of Insurance criminal investigators say that Rouen was conspiring to burn down a building he owned at 1202 Chestnut Street in an effort to collect more than $532,000 in insurance money. The building houses a convenience store and two occupied apartment units.

Rouen was arrested Monday and placed under a $50,000 bond.