Delaware County Man Arrested for Arson Following Petersburg Fire

A Delaware County man is charged with arson following a house fire in Petersburg this past summer.

30-year old Joseph Benjamin Pasker is charged with First Degree Arson and Child Endangerment. 

The Dyersville Fire Department was called to the fire at 1637 299th Avenue in Petersburg on the night of July 24th, with several other departments assisting. 

According to the complaint and affidavit filed in late October by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office with the Delaware County Court Clerk, Pasker had reported the fire, advising that he and his five children were at the home at the time of the fire and had made it out safely. Deputies were among those who responded to the scene. The Sheriff’s Office says upon further investigation, it was determined that the circumstances of the fire were suspicious in nature – particularly, that this was the second fire that had occurred at that home within the week. 

With the assistance of the Iowa State Fire Marshals Office, the Sheriff’s Office says an investigation was conducted, determining that Pasker intentionally set the fire within the home – citing a variety of circumstances, which include but are not limited to: localized damage in the void space and floor, no competent ignition source for the fire and no sources of fuel readily available to maintain the fire in the home itself. 

The Sheriff’s Office says while being interviewed, Pasker denied intentionally starting the fire, but authorities noted various discrepancies in his statement. 

Pasker is also charged with five counts of Child Endangerment, as the Sheriff’s Office alleges he intentionally set the fire with his children present.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested Pasker at the home on November 1st.