A Roanoke Rapids man has been charged in an insurance fraud case involving a fire at a house he was renting in Halifax.

Mills

Detective J.M. Clark of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office said Michael Leon Mills, 33, was charged in the May 30, 2014 fire following an investigation with assistance from the state Insurance Department's Investigation Division, which also filed charges against the man.

The charges stem from an investigation into a house fire on Montfort Street, which was deemed suspicious during the initial probe.

Mills allegedly started the fire with what Clark described as a flammable liquid, but declined to elaborate. The house was completely destroyed and financial gain appears to be the motive.

Clark said Mills filed a claim on his renter's insurance. “We were able to put a hold on his insurance prior to it being paid out in full,” he said.

The only payout he received was $500 for temporary housing needs.

Mills surrendered to the sheriff's office Thursday afternoon and was released on $5,000 bond and assigned a February 18 court date.

Clark filed charges against Mills for fraudulently burning a dwelling; injury to real property and filing a false police report. The insurance department charged him with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretenses.