ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — On March 29th, 2023, a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Lick Run Road in response to an arson complaint. According to the caller, someone had set fire to property in her back yard. Upon arrival, the caller reported that an antique rocking chair and a new cushion from her lawn furniture had been taken from her porch and burned in her fire pit. The resident said that she suspected her ex-boyfriend, James McVey, but did not see anyone.
The deputy found that the light bulbs in all exterior light fixtures had been removed, and the victims front security camera watching her driveway area had been unplugged and was not working. In the fire pit, the remains of the rocking chair were found along with multiple pieces of wood taken from a wood pile on the back patio. A rake and shovel had been moved from next to the rear entry door and were laying on the ground next to the fire pit. A piece of trim had also been broken off from the rear door.
The Springfield Township Fire Department arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire. While checking the area around the residence, a small yard shed was investigated, and an orange lighter and a PayPal Card in the name of James McVey were found in a small clearing behind the shed.
The woman told deputies that she had an active protection order against James, who had recently pled guilty to charges related to his menacing behavior towards her. James had a prior conviction of Menacing by Stalking and Violation of a Protection Order.
Charges were filed against James for Retaliation, Violation of Protection Order, Menacing by Stalking, and Arson. However, he was not found in the area, and warrants have been requested for his arrest. The investigation is ongoing.
