Matteson

Thomas Jeffrey Matteson, 19, of Marshalltown, was arrested by local police last week and released on his own recognizance after he was charged with third degree arson — an aggravated misdemeanor.

At 7:57 a.m. on Jan. 31, Matteson intentionally set a fire to a cardboard box containing merchandise belonging to a local retailer.

Damage was less than $500.

The incident was recorded on a store surveillance camera.

At his initial appearance Wednesday, a magistrate judge appointed Matteson a public defender.

An aggravated misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum prison term not to exceeed two years, or may be a jail sentence of not more than one years. A mandatory fine of at least $500 but not more than $5,000 may be imposed.

His preliminary hearing is March 2.