Woman accused of lighting her Waukon store on fire

A woman was arrested Monday in Waukon in connection with a fire that happened a year ago at her business in the Northeast Iowa community.

Mindy Jo Jones, 43, is charged with first-degree arson and animal abuse, according to a Facebook post from the Waukon Police Department.

Jones is accused of starting a fire on Feb. 13, 2022 at Tin, Rust, & Harmony, 9 Allamakee St. in Waukon. A dog was killed in the fire at the store that sold home decor, clothing and gift items.

The Waukon Police Department requested that the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office investigate the fire, and Jones was arrested as a result of that investigation, the Facebook post states.

Jones filed a lawsuit last month against State Farm Insurance, accusing the company of refusing to pay for damages the building sustained in the fire. The lawsuit claims the insurance company owes Jones $6,500 for her property loss claim.

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