Clermont County man indicted for aggravated arson, domestic violence
Joseph Andrew Estep, 34, of Monroe Township, Clermont County, was indicted recently in relation to an incident that allegedly occurred on Jan. 17.
A Clermont County grand jury returned an indictment for Estep on three counts of aggravated arson, two felonies of the first degree and one felony of the second degree; and one count of domestic violence, a misdemeanor of the first degree.
On Friday, Jan. 17 at 6:53 p.m., the Clermont County Communications Center received a 911 call from a resident inside a home located in the 2200 block of Smith Road of Monroe Township, Clermont County. The caller indicated that Estep, a live-in family member, had allegedly barricaded himself in his bedroom, attempting to start a fire by burning the bedroom door down. The caller further elaborated that there was a smell of burning wood inside the residence.
Clermont County Sheriff’s Office deputies immediately responded, along with several fire departments, including Monroe Township Fire and EMS, who began arriving at 7 p.m. Upon arrival, no active fire was observed. Clermont County Sheriff’s Deputies and fire personnel learned there were numerous subjects inside the residence, including elderly adults with mobility issues.
Deputies were able to take Estep into custody without incident and confirm the safety of all occupants. Fire personnel cleared the structure of any fire-related dangers but verified there was evidence that an occupant allegedly attempted to set a fire inside the home. After learning the structure of any fire hazards, the patrol deputies secured the scene and contacted the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit.
Sheriff’s Office detectives responded and immediately began an investigation. Detectives obtained statements from five other adults inside the residence, all of whom gave consistent statements about Estep’s alleged actions, which included allegedly spraying family members in the face with an aerosol spray. Additionally, several burn locations were allegedly identified in the bedroom, along with multiple ignition sources.
An indictment is merely a charge and is not evidence of guilt.
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