CANAAN, Maine — A local man accused of arson in connection with a fire that destroyed a mobile home last year is facing new charges, and his girlfriend, who was facing charges unrelated to the fire, also is accused of new crimes, according to the state fire marshal’s office.
Matthew Short, 30, who fire investigators say burned down the mobile home of his neighbor Sept. 21, was ordered by the judge at his arraignment in March to have no contact with his girlfriend, Sheena Moshier. But investigators say he has made several calls and written letters to Moshier from the Somerset County Jail, according to a Tuesday news release. He subsequently has been charged with three counts of violating conditions of release, even though he never made bail.
Moshier, 30, who was arrested last month on several charges unrelated to the fire, also faces a new set of charges. Investigators said they caught her selling kerosene she had obtained from public assistance, allegedly using Facebook to advertise the fuel for a dollar per gallon. She was charged April 5 with theft by deception and violating her conditions of release. She continues to be free on bail.
The previous charges against her include negotiating a worthless instrument, forgery and traffic violations.
No people were injured in the mobile home fire, but four dogs and three cats died.
Fire investigators were assisted by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and the Somerset County district attorney investigator.