Eunice couple face drug, other charges after fire

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A 43-year-old Eunice woman and her 27-year-old boyfriend face numerous charges after a fire heavily damaged the house they were in at 230 Rodney St., Eunice, on Thursday, according to a news release from the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal.
Michelle Prudhomme and Derek Dorsey were booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail Thursday. Both face one count of theft, one count of drug paraphernalia and one count of obstructing a fireman. Additionally, Dorsey faces one count of simple arson.
Fire investigators were called to the scene after 2 a.m.
The news release stated, “Investigators found heavy damage to the entire exterior of the home, with part of the roof collapsed. The home did not have utilities officially connected, but illegal wiring connecting the home directly to a nearby power pole was observed.
“Investigators also learned that while the Eunice Fire Department was working to put out the fire, someone turned off the hydrant they were utilizing. When firefighters went to look into the issue, Prudhomme and Dorsey were spotted nearby.
“Investigators determined the origin of the fire to be a bedroom on the southern side of the home where a mattress was located, along with drug paraphernalia. The cause of the fire is undetermined, at this time, without the ability to rule out any possible accidental explanation or an incendiary fire.
“In interviews with Prudhomme and Dorsey, the pair described having been asleep in the bedroom when Dorsey awoke to go outside. He later returned to get Prudhomme to go outside with him. Both believed a candle that was lit in the room may have been knocked over. Neither admitted to having turned off the hydrant firefighters were using for suppression efforts, but both were aware of it happening. Prudhomme, however, did admit to the theft of utilities. At the conclusion of the interviews, both were placed under arrest.”
The State Fire Marshal’s Office maintains an Arson Hotline where suspicious fire and/or explosion-related activity can be reported anonymously. Tips can be called in to 1-866-946-1097 or submitted online at sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/