Edwardsville man facing a federal arson charge for igniting an Alton business

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – An Edwardsville man is facing a federal arson charge for allegedly setting fire to an insurance office building in Alton.

A federal grand jury charged Jason Dawson, 38, with one count of arson.

According to charging documents, Dawson is accused of setting fire to an insurance office building on East Delmar Avenue in Alton on Nov. 22, 2025. The complaint alleges Dawson was upset about the amount for a life insurance policy cashout after a meeting with employees on Nov. 21 and returned to the office the following day to set the building on fire. 

“The ATF has a responsibility to protect our communities. We also have a responsibility to hold those accountable who endanger lives and property through acts of arson. Our partnership with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Southern District of Illinois did just that. This indictment is a result of diligent investigative work and close collaborations among the ATF, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the U.S. Attorney’s Office; and we will continue to work together to pursue justice for other cases like this,” said ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon. 

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Arson convictions are punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.

ATF is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Hudson is prosecuting the case.