STAMFORD, Vt. — A local man is facing arson and fraud charges related to a fire at his Mill Road home last week.

 

Joseph T. Pallas, 31, was cited through his attorney on Monday on charges of first-degree arson and insurance fraud. He is scheduled to appear for arraignment at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 24, 2025, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Bennington.

 

According to a State Police report, the Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 536 Mill Road at about 9:30 on Friday morning. Firefighters saw heavy black smoke coming from under the eaves on the two-bedroom home and found samoke and flames along base of the staircase inside. 

 

"Fire suppression efforts were conducted with both internal and exterior attacks," according to the report by Detective Sgt. James Wright. "Because of the Fire Department's efforts, the structure was saved."

 

Fire Chief Paul Ethier requested aid from the Department of Public Safety's Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit for assistance in determining the origin and cause of the fire. Detective Sgts. Matt Hill, James Wright and Chris Blais and Assistant State Fire Marshal Jay Moody from the Division of Fire Safety responded to the scene.

 

They determined the cause of the fire to be arson and, "after a lengthy investigation," the Fire and Explosion Unit identified Pallas as the individual whom investigators believe purposely set fire to his residence, according to State Police. Pallas purchased the home in 2021, according to the grand list.