MORRISON — A Prophetstown woman has been formally charged with two counts of arson, one count of residential arson and one count of insurance fraud in connection with an April fire that destroyed a Prophetstown home.
Donna M. McKenna, 52, was charged with a felony Wednesday in Whiteside County Circuit Court. According to court documents detailing the residential arson charges, McKenna intentionally caused damage to the home at 217 Douglas St. during the April 2 arson attack.
The insurance fraud count alleges that McKenna defrauded Country Mutual Insurance Company of more than $100,000 by “making or causing false claims on insurance policies issued by Country Mutual Insurance Company.” , or that they have attempted to obtain it.
The residential arson and insurance fraud charges are first-degree felonies.
One of the two arson charges accuses McKenna of intentionally damaging a home without the homeowner’s consent by using fire or explosives. Another charge alleges that he intentionally used fire and explosives to damage property with the intent to defraud an insurance company. Both of these charges are second-degree felonies.
According to media reports at the time of the fire, the house was declared a total loss.
She is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 4 at 9 a.m.
