Louisiana Man Arrested for Aggravated Arson After Allegedly Setting Fire to a Camper With Someone Inside

Louisiana – The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (LASFM) reported on May 16, 2022 that they had arrested a Garyville, Louisiana man for allegedly setting fire to a camper in Denham Springs while a former coworker was sleeping inside.

Ray Acosta, 42, was arrested on one count of Aggravated Arson on May 5, 2022.

Livingston Parish Fire Protection District #4 responded to a report of a camper fire in the 21000 block of Highway 16 in Denham Springs, Louisiana, late at night on May 2, 2022. At the time of the fire, there was only one resident inside the camper, but they were able to escape safely.

The fire was determined to have been intentionally started after an examination of the scene. Deputies identified Acosta, a former coworker of the camper’s occupant, as a suspect in the case based on witness statements and evidence gathered. Deputies discovered Acosta was in a dispute with the victim over payment for the job they shared.

Following extensive investigation, a warrant for Acosta’s arrest was obtained, and he was taken into custody without incident with the assistance of the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.