Owner Accused of Torching Antique Shop - NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Randy McIlwain, NBC 5 News

Deborah Scott the co-owner or Sisters Antique Mall in Saginaw was arrested for setting the fire at her business on Feb. 21, police say her story about the events before the fire never added up.

Antique Store Owner Arrested for Arson

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advertisement The co-owner of a Saginaw antique shop that was destroyed in a fire last month was arrested Thursday on suspicion of arson.

Deborah Kay Scott faces a charge of arson, a second-degree felony.

Scott, owns the Sisters Antique Mall with her sister, told police after the fire that a man had entered her shop with a gas can, asked her about her grandson and then doused her with gasoline before setting the building on fire.

She then ran to a nearby business and called 911, she told investigators.

According to police affidavits, a woman came forward during the fire investigation and told detectives that Scott solicited her in January to help burn down the business. She said they met and discussed what was to happen at a local Walmart.

Police documents indicate the witness kept a shopping receipt from that meeting. Police obtained surveillance video that shows the two meeting and talking inside the Walmart.

Police also said Scott purchased 5 gallons of gasoline in White Settlement and kept it near the rear of the building beside a dumpster, the area where she escaped the fire.

Detectives have not offered a motive, but court documents indicate there are insurance policies for the antique mall.

Other business owners said the antique shop was struggling financially and only attracted small lunch crowds, not enough to sustain the business or cover the original investment costs of renovating the building.

Police said the investigation is ongoing.

Scott bonded out of jail later Thursday. Her attorney offered no comment regarding the charges or her arrest.

Scott's sister has not been charged in the case.

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