Plymouth Man Faces Arson Charges After 2019 House Fire

PLYMOUTH, MI — Arson charges have been filed against a Plymouth man accused by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel of setting fire to a home for insurance money.

Patrick Nolan, 40, was arraigned last week on charges of arson of an insured dwelling and second-degree arson. If convicted, Nolan could face up to 20 years in prison for the second-degree arson charge.

Nolan’s bond was set at $250,000, with conditions requiring that he forfeit all weapons, his passport and be placed on a tether if released.

“When one person tries to take advantage of insurance coverage through criminal acts, it affects all of us,” Nessel said. “I appreciate the investigative coordination between my office and DIFS that resulted in these serious criminal charges.”

According to Nessel's office, police and fire departments from Plymouth Township responded to 50081 Shefield Ct. on New Years Day in 2019 for a house fire. The home, owned by Nolan, was insured for loss caused by fire, Nessel said.

Investigations by the Michigan State Police and EFI Global determined arson was the cause of the fire because the fire originated in three separate, unconnected areas in the home, involved gasoline and was human-caused, according to Nessel.

A review of the infotainment system in Nolan’s truck found he was parked at the residence less than two hours before the fire was reported by a neighbor, Nessel said.

The next court date is a probable cause conference on July 16. The preliminary exam is set for July 23.