Arson Investigation Graphic

SALISBURY, MD - The Maryland State Fire Marshal has announced the arrest of a Salisbury woman for allegedly setting fire to a man's front door after an argument over $7.

Officials say they were called to Penn Street on July 3 for a reported fire at a home that had been extinguished. There, the home's occupant reportedly told them that Janice Oney, who knew the victim for several years, demanded $7 she claimed the man owed her and became upset, according to investigators. After a brief argument, the Fire Marshal says she returned with a bottle of gasoline and set the man's front door on fire. 

The Fire Marshal's Office says evidence was collected to establish the fire was intentionally set with the help of a K9 and nearby surveillance footage and linked Oney to the fire.

Oney was arrested on Friday, August 1, and charged with first- and second-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, malicious destruction of property over $1,000, reckless endangerment, and theft under $100. She is currently being held without bond at the Wicomico County Detention Center, according to the Fire Marshal's Office.

Digital Content Producer

Sean joined WBOC as Digital Content Producer in February 2023. Originally from New Jersey, Sean graduated from Rutgers University with bachelor’s degrees in East Asian Studies and Religion. He has lived in New York, California, and Virginia before he and his wife finally found a place to permanently call home in Maryland. With family in Laurel, Ocean Pines, Berlin, and Captain’s Cove, Sean has deep ties to the Eastern Shore and is thrilled to be working at WBOC serving the community.

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