Former Jones County deputy pleads guilty to burning down house, defrauding insurance company

CEDAR RAPIDS - A former Jones County Sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty for burning down his empty house in 2013 and defrauding his insurance company for over $66,000 Friday in federal court.

James M. Plower, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of use of fire to commit a felony in U.S. District Court. 

He faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a $500,000 fine, a fine equal to the greater of twice the gross gain to Plower resulting from the offenses or twice the gross loss resulting from the offenses.

Jones County Sheriff Greg Graver confirmed Monday that Plower was a full-time deputy when the investigation started and then he resigned after the department found out about the investigation. He resigned March 6, 2014.

According to the criminal information, Plower moved out of his Martelle house and it was in poor condition as it remained unoccupied. Plower insured the house for damage and loss as a result of fire. His insurance policy was through Nationwide Affinity Insurance Company but the policy didn't cover loss or damage deliberately caused by the insured.

Plower is accused of setting fire to his house July 25, 2013 and then submitting a false insurance claim, stating the fire was accidental, and concealing his criminal scheme, according to the information. Plower received $66,497 in insurance proceeds from Nationwide.

Plower also continued to make false statements and took other actions in an attempt to conceal the scheme, according to the information.

He will be sentenced at a later date.