Arson suspect arrested

A 24-year-old Libby resident has been charged in the July 8 suspected arson fire of the McGrade Center.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department has been continuing its investigation into the blaze in two offices leased from the Libby School District 4 to the state office of Child Protective Services.

Libby Volunteer Fire Department firefighters were able to limit the burn to the two offices, which are located on the back of the former elementary school.

On Friday, Lincoln County Detective Boyd White applied for and received a felony arrest warrant for Marcus Wayne Light, 24, of Libby, charging him with the arson, a felony.

Preliminary estimates put the damage to the building at $73,000, but those figures could be revised upward. 

When the arrest warrant was served, Light already was jailed in the Lincoln County Detention Center on an unrelated misdemeanor traffic violation.

Light is being held in the jail on $250,000 bond, pending an initial court appearance.

A person commits the offense of arson when, by means of fire or explosives, the person knowingly or purposely damages or destroys a structure, vehicle, personal property (other than a vehicle) that exceeds $1,000 in value.

According to state statutes, a person convicted of the offense of arson shall be jailed in the state prison for a term not to exceed 20 years or be fined an amount not to exceed $50,000, or both.

This investigation into the fire is ongoing. Sheriff’s Department officials ask persons who may have further information to call (406) 293-4112.