Strawberry Point firefighter accused of arson, insurance fraud

STRAWBERRY POINT - A Strawberry Point firefighter is on leave from the department after being charged with arson and insurance fraud.

If convicted of second-degree arson and insurance fraud, 41-year-old Terry R. Groth of Strawberry Point could face up to 15 years in prison.

According to criminal complaints filed earlier this month in Buchanan County, shortly before midnight on Sept. 10, 2011, a truck fire was reported to the sheriff's office. The Lamont Fire Department responded and put out the truck fire, which was located south of 100th Street on Yancy Avenue. Authorities said the truck was registered to Groth.

On Feb. 4, 2013, a fire at 424 S. Brewer St. in Manchester was investigated. The home belongs to Lester Groth and is managed by Terry Groth, according to criminal complaints. The fire was determined to be intentionally set.

During the course of the investigation, police spoke with 24-year-old Damian L. Welsh, who admitted to using diesel fuel to set the truck on fire. Welsh said he and 26-year-old Zachary J. Norton were paid by Groth to set the truck on fire.

According to the criminal complaints, Groth filed an insurance claim on the truck, costing his insurance company nearly $14,000.

Strawberry Point city clerk Terry Groth told KCRG-TV9 Groth has taken a leave of absence from the fire department.