As part of Arson Prevention Week, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is highlighting the growing threat of arson in the county and the steps being taken to combat such a crime.
Arson cases have been on the rise, according to Prosecutor Peter Lucido, with 19 cases reported in 2021, 21 in 2022, and a sharp increase to 39 in 2023.
So far in 2024, Lucido said 26 arson cases have been charged.
One of the most recent cases involves Jesse Dennis Hayden Humphrey, who was charged after allegedly setting his girlfriend’s home on fire following an argument.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, Sept. 22, resulted in the destruction of the home and the deaths of two cats inside, Lucido said.
The girlfriend was not home at the time, Lucido said.
Humphrey has been charged with two counts of second degree arson, each carrying a 20-year sentence, and killing animals in the third degree, a four-year felony.
“We are seeing a disturbing rise in arson cases in Macomb County,” Lucido said.
He said his office has been actively addressing the increase in arson cases by ensuring that assistant prosecutors receive specialized training in arson prosecution. This includes hands-on experience with fire investigations and expert witness testimony, preparing them to handle the complexities of arson cases in court.
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