Jailed man newly charged for burglary, arson, possessing explosives

WASHINGTON CITY — Following an initial arrest on Nov. 18 for multiple charges of domestic violence in front of a child and criminal mischief, a 39-year-old man, already incarcerated, was booked on additional charges early Saturday morning for arson, possession of explosive devices and burglary of a house in Washington City.

Aaron William Nielsen, 39, booking photo posted Nov. 20, 2014 | Photo courtesy of Washington County Sheriff's Office, St. George News
Aaron William Nielsen, 39, booking photo posted Nov. 20, 2014 | Photo courtesy of Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News

At approximately 5:30 p.m. Friday, Washington City Police officers responded to a residence on Birken Street in Washington City on a report of a burglary at a home where the owners had been out of town for a period of time, according to a statement written by Washington City Police Spokesman Ed Kantor.

After returning home, the homeowners discovered their house had been burglarized. Some property was missing and suspicious objects had been left at the scene.

Upon investigation, police officers found several containers of gasoline on the property, and evidence gathered at the scene indicated the gasoline containers may have been intended to be used as explosive devices.

Evidence at the scene also identified Aaron William Nielsen, who resided near the burglarized home prior to his recent arrest, as a suspect in the burglary, according to the statement.

While still incarcerated at Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility on the domestic violence charges, Nielsen was additionally charged with a second-degree felony for possessing explosive devices; a second-degree felony for aggravated arson, which relates to his domestic violence charges; a second-degree felony for burglary of a dwelling; and a class A misdemeanor for theft. According to current bookings information, Nielsen’s bail stands at $100,000.

Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.

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3 Comments

  • Koolaid November 23, 2014 at 8:29 am

    Local good ole boy? What he needs is a good ole fashioned fundraiser.

  • Zonkerb November 23, 2014 at 11:21 am

    Yeah I’m in favor of a fundraiser make sure they have the proper dance permit

  • getting flooded November 23, 2014 at 10:00 pm

    If its at the local church the permit fee is waived

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