Iota man arrested in Terrebonne Parish for Aggravated Arson

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet announced the arrest of an Iota man, in connection with an Arson Investigation.  Benjamin James Acosta, 52, was arrested for Aggravated Arson for his involvement in a November 26th structure fire on Broadway Ave in Schriever.

Shortly after 12:00 am, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division was called to an address in the 100 block of Broadway Ave in reference to a residential structure that suffered fire damage.  The Schriever Fire Department quickly responded, along with TPSO, and determined that all of the occupants were removed from the residence.  Deputies learned that the fire was extinguished by a resident of the home, and no one was injured as a result of the attempted Arson.  Once the fire was extinguished, indicators were observed leading firefighters to believe the structure was intentionally set.

As the investigation continued, Deputies learned that Benjamin James Acosta, who was living within the home just hours prior to the fire, was asked to leave the residence as a result of an incident that took place within the home.  TPSO Detectives were called to the scene, and information was developed linking Acosta to the fire.

Through further investigation, a warrant was secured for the arrest of Benjamin J. Acosta, who was located shortly before 9:00 am in the 200 block of Highway 659.  Acosta was later arrested and jailed at the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex, where he remains jailed on a $1,000,500.00 total bond.

Sheriff Soignet praised the efforts of the TPSO Patrol Division, TPSO Investigations, and the Schriever Fire Department, for their assistance.  Sheriff Tim Soignet said, “This was a very dangerous situation, and could have become tragic if not for the actions of the First Responders.  Our team did a great job in removing this offender from our streets.”

Update:

At the time of the initial investigation, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office received assistance from the Louisiana Office of State Fire Mashal Investigators, who responded to the scene.  Louisiana Fire Marshal Investigators conducted an in-depth investigation into the actions of Benjamin Acosta, while assuming control of the Arson investigation, which led to Investigators obtaining arrest warrants for Acosta in Terrebonne Parish.

The investigation remains under the control of the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal.

Sheriff Tim Soignet would like to personally thank the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal for their assistance and resources provided in this investigation.  Sheriff Soignet said, “I am extremely grateful that we have the ability to work closely with our Public Safety partners throughout the state, to bring safety and security to our community.”