MIDDLE BRANCH TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Michigan State Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a 2008 arson of a house. The investigation began in May 2008 when Marion Fire Department responded to a house fire in Middle Branch Township of Osceola County. The fire chief contacted the Osceola County Sheriff Department and the Michigan State Police Fire Marshal Division. Investigators determined the fire to be arson.
In 2011, Michigan State Police took over the investigation. The investigation revealed the home’s owner, Terry Lynn Leach, conspired with another individual to burn her home in order to collect insurance money from the loss.
On April 2, 2013, the 77th District Court of Osceola County issued charges of Arson of a Dwelling House, Conspiracy to Commit Arson of a Dwelling house, Insurance Fraud, and Conspiracy to Commit Insurance Fraud for Leach and her male co-conspirator.
Terry Lynn Leach, a 59-year-old Marion, MI, woman was arrested at her home on April 2, 2013, and lodged in the Osceola County Jail. She was arraigned in the 77th District Court on April 3, 2013, and is being held on $100,000.00 bond.
The male suspect, a 46-year-old Marion, MI, man was located in the Atlanta, GA, area and arrested by Dekalb County Police. He is being held in the Dekalb County Jail pending extradition proceedings.
If convicted both individuals face up to 20 years in prison.
