Lincoln woman accused of felony attempted arson in Platte County

 

COLUMBUS, Neb. -- A 20-year-old Lincoln woman is in custody after an alleged instance of arson near Genoa, the Platte County Sheriff's Office announced Monday.

On Sunday morning just before noon, sheriff's deputies were called to a rural residence to investigate.

With the assistance of the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office, the investigation revealed evidence indicating a fire had been intentionally set outside the residence, Platte County Sheriff Ed Wemhoff said.

During the investigation, Wemhoff, other evidence was obtained leaving investigators with a possible suspect as well as other additional criminal activity. The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Macy S. Nemeth, of Lincoln.

During the investigation, investigators learned that Nemeth was currently in custody at the Platte County Detention Facility on unrelated charges. A trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol had stopped a vehicle for speeding on Highway 81 just west of Columbus at approximately 2:15 that morning, and that the driver of that vehicle, Nemeth, was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and possession of marijuana less than 1 oz.

Nemeth remains in custody on the charges stemming from the traffic stop, as well as additional charges of attempted first-degree arson, a class II-A felony, stalking, a class I misdemeanor, and intimidation by electronic device, a class III misdemeanor.

The incident remains under investigation by the Platte County Sheriff's Office and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office.