(SEMMES, Ala.) - The Mobile County Sheriff's Office said a Semmes woman was arrested Thursday on arson charges following a damaging fire at her home Sunday night.
MCSO Spokesperson Lori Myles said 64-year-old Nellie Foster was charged with second degree arson after, investigators said, she admitted during questioning to setting her Scenic Hills Drive home on fire.
Semmes Volunteer Fire Chief Terry Sexton said following their investigation, in cooperation with the Alabama State Fire Marshals Office, they determined Foster was planning the crime for days, and that insurance money might be the motive.
"They initially told us they were in Biloxi for the husband's birthday," Sexton said. "They were actually at a residence in Citronelle... They were planning to, for several days, planning on burning this house to the ground.
"They moved their stuff the day of the fire, and a couple of days before the fire."
Sexton said much of the evidence determining the cause of the fire will remain confidential as the case will be headed to a grand jury.
Sheriff's office investigators said Foster's husband had no part in setting the blaze.
Nellie Foster has since bonded out of Mobile County Metro Jail. She is scheduled to appear in court November 8th.
