Procious Fire Results in First Degree Arson Charges

The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s office was asked to investigate a fire at 1147 Scenic River Road in Procious, Clay County, W.Va. The fire occurred on Aug. 18, 2015. Assistant State Fire Marshal S.L. Alderman was assigned the investigation and he determined the fire to be incendiary in cause.
During the investigation ASFM Alderman developed a suspect identified as Melissa M. Jarvis, 42. Ms. Jarvis was an occupant at the residence that was burned.
On Aug. 24, 2015, ASFM Alderman obtained a warrant from a magistrate for Ms. Jarvis, charging her with First Degree Arson. ASFM Alderman and ASFM B.P. Hartley traveled to 1147 Scenic River Road, in Procious to arrest Ms. Jarvis. No one would come to the door and it was determined that Ms. Jarvis was present inside the home. ASFM Alderman and ASFM Hartley made entry into the residence and arrested Ms. Jarvis without incident.
Ms. Jarvis was arraigned by the Clay County magistrate and lodged in the Central Regional Jail. Bail is set at $100,000.