SCOTLAND, Md. — A Scotland woman faces felony arson charges after allegedly setting fire to a residence and making incriminating statements at a local bar, according to charging documents. Elizabeth Susan Leighton, 68, of Scotland, was arrested Sept. 6 and charged with first-degree malicious burning and malicious destruction of property.
The incident occurred on Sept. 6 at a residence on Ridgell Way in Scotland. Charging documents state the homeowners were out of state and had arranged for house-sitters to watch the property. The house-sitters contacted authorities after a witness reported the fire.
According to police reports, the investigation began when a witness at Buzzy’s Country Store in Scotland told officers that Leighton had entered the business and said she had set a nearby residence on fire. The witness later went to the property, saw evidence of a fire, and contacted emergency responders. Fire crews extinguished the blaze, and law enforcement was notified.
When questioned by investigators, Leighton admitted to starting the fire, according to the probable cause statement. Police wrote that Leighton told officers she set the blaze because she was angry but acknowledged she had nothing to be upset about regarding the property owners. Her statements were recorded on body-worn camera footage, court documents show.
Judge Karen Christy Holt presided over Leighton’s bail review hearing on Sept. 8, where she was released on her own recognizance after initially being held without bond. She has been assigned a public defender and requested a speedy trial. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 7, according to court records.
Under Maryland law, first-degree malicious burning carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and is considered one of the state’s most serious property crimes. Malicious destruction of property carries a maximum of three years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
All proceedings are scheduled to take place in St. Mary’s County District Court in Leonardtown. The St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
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