VERMILION PARISH, LA — A 44-year-old Abbeville man has been arrested on charges of arson with intent to defraud following a series of suspicious fires at his home. Jonathan D. Lovett was taken into custody after an investigation revealed that he allegedly set fire to his own residence in an attempt to collect an insurance payout.
The incident began on the evening of March 21, 2025, when firefighters with the Meaux Nunez Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call regarding a fire in the laundry room of Lovett’s home, located in the 9400 block of Louisiana Highway 343. The blaze was contained quickly, causing only minor damage to the property.
However, just hours later, at approximately 2:30 a.m. on March 22, the fire department returned to the scene, only to find the house fully engulfed in flames. This second fire proved to be devastating, resulting in the complete destruction of the home.
Upon further investigation, officials determined that both fires were intentionally set. Public records indicated that Lovett’s property was in foreclosure at the time of the fires, raising suspicions that the fires were part of an attempt to defraud his insurance company. Authorities later confirmed that Lovett had received an insurance payout following the fires.
Lovett was arrested and booked into the Vermilion Parish Jail, where he faces a charge of arson with intent to defraud. State Fire Marshal deputies are continuing to investigate the case, with authorities urging anyone with information about suspected arson to contact the Arson Hotline at 1-844-954-1221 or submit tips online at lasfm.org. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office reminded the public that arson is a serious crime with significant legal consequences, and investigations into suspected arson cases remain a priority.
Authorities continue to caution homeowners and residents about the potential for fraud in fire-related incidents, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activity.