CUMBERLAND, Md. – A Cumberland woman is being held without bond after investigators accused her of intentionally setting a fire on the front porch of a city home in July.
Amanda Lee Iliff-Williams, 33, was arrested Thursday on a warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court. The case stems from a July 9 fire in the 400 block of East Fourth Street that a neighbor discovered shortly before midnight.
Investigators said the neighbor began pouring water on the fire while calling 911. No one was injured, and the flames were contained to the porch flooring and a plastic table.
Investigators Say Cumberland Porch Fire Was Intentionally Set
Cumberland firefighters responded after the neighbor reported the fire. Deputy state fire marshals and Cumberland Fire Department investigators later determined it originated on the front porch and had been deliberately set, according to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
Damage was estimated at $1,000.
The investigation eventually identified Iliff-Williams as the person allegedly responsible, according to the fire marshal’s office. Authorities did not disclose what evidence led investigators to her or describe an alleged motive.
“This arrest is the result of investigators working together to follow the evidence and identify the person responsible,” Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray said.
“We appreciate the partnership of the Cumberland Fire Department and Cumberland Police Department throughout this investigation,” Mowbray said.
Arson Case Includes Destructive Device Charge
Iliff-Williams faces three counts of first-degree arson and three counts of second-degree arson.
Authorities also charged her with malicious burning, manufacturing, possession or distribution of a destructive device, possession of explosive or incendiary material with intent, malicious destruction of property, harassment and telephone misuse.
The fire marshal’s office did not provide additional details about the destructive-device and incendiary-material allegations in its announcement.
Cumberland Police officers arrested Iliff-Williams on Sept. 10. After appearing before a District Court commissioner, she was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond.
The charges are allegations, and Iliff-Williams is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case was investigated jointly by state fire marshals, Cumberland firefighters and city police.