Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PAYSON — Criminal charges have now been filed nearly two years after a fire gutted the house of the former mayor of Payson.
Shawn M. Balzly, 44, who is listed as homeless, was charged Wednesday in 4th District Court with aggravated arson, a first-degree felony, and obstructing justice, a second-degree felony.
On May 31, 2013, a fire caused about $500,000 damage to the house of former Payson Mayor Gordon Taylor. Police say Balzly worked for Taylor at that time and lived on his property. Balzly was hired to help with the restoration the Huish Theatre, located across the street from Taylor, according to charging documents.
But Taylor became upset with Balzly for the way he nailed and secured doors to the theater, the charges state. Taylor told him that his daughter had gained control of his finances and had stopped funding the project.
Because of that, Taylor told Balzly he could no longer live on his property, which started a heated argument, according to the charges.
Prosecutors say Balzly was seen carrying two cans of gasoline prior to the blaze. Accelerants were later detected by investigators at the fire scene. Firefighters from three agencies spent about five hours at the house battling the "very fast and intense" fire, charging documents state.
Balzly gave several excuses for the fire to investigators, including a broken gas line in the kitchen. Prosecutors say investigators believe the fire started outside the house.
There was no immediate explanation Thursday as to why it took so long for charges to be filed.
