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Woman charged with arson

A Marshalltown woman has been charged with three separate arson fires at the same location.

Marshalltown Fire Chief David Rierson reported that Marshalltown Police arrested Susan Kaye Lurvey, 46, on Friday after a month-and-half investigation.

According to Rierson, Lurvey is accused of intentionally damaging two vehicles and then setting them on fire — the first incident occurred on Oct. 15 where Lurvey allegedly damaged a vehicle parked behind 202 E. State St., and then set the vehicle on fire. She allegedly damaged a second vehicle on Oct. 25 at that same location, again, setting that vehicle on fire, but not until Nov. 23.

The next day — Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, Lurvey allegedly set a fire in a hallway inside the apartment building at the same location on State Street.

Rierson told the T-R that evidence collected at the different scenes, combined with security camera footage, helped to identify Lurvey as a suspect.

A search warrant, later obtained by authorities, located clothing Lurvey was wearing at the time of the incidents, Rierson said, adding that an accelerant was allegedly used by the suspect. He said Lurvey admitted to authorities she was responsible for the fires.

He also said the arson incidents are connected to extortion and harassment incidents that were being investigated by the MPD, who considered Lurvey a person of interest.

MPD Capt. Chris Jones confirmed with the T-R that the same owner of both vehicles that were set afire was allegedly contacted by Lurvey who said she had information as to who damaged the cars and later demanded money for that information.

Lurvey was charged with one count of first-degree arson (Class B felony); two counts of second-degree arson (Class C felonies); one count of extortion (Class D felony); two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief (serious misdemeanors); and one count of third-degree harassment (simple misdemeanor).

She is being held at the Marshall County Jail on a $52,000 bond.

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