FORT DODGE – A woman once caught stealing in Mason City is now accused of a much more evil crime – trying to burn a house down with folks still inside, causing them to flee for their lives.
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, at approximately 1:41 PM, the Webster County Telecommunications Center received a call in reference to a residential fire at 211 N 12th Street in Fort Dodge. The Fort Dodge Police Department along with the Fort Dodge Fire Department responded to the scene.
When officers and fire fighters arrived on scene they located an active residential fire on the second floor. Fort Dodge Fire was able to take control of the fire, preventing the fire from spreading to the rest of the building. The residence was occupied at the time of the fire, but there were no reported injuries.
Upon further investigation into the cause of the fire, it appeared to be suspicious in nature. Investigators were called to the scene and worked along patrol processing the scene, speaking to witnesses, and gathering evidence.
Over the course of the last two days, investigators have continued to follow up on this case and it was determined that the fire was set intentionally.
As a result of the investigation thus far, 34‐year‐old Fort Dodge resident Megan S. Freeman has been arrested on the following charges:
– Arson in the 1st Degree (B Felony)
– Arson in the 3rd Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
– Harassment in the 1st Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
Freeman (pictured at top from a 2014 jail photo) is currently being held in the Webster County Jail on a $29,000.00 cash bond.
At this time, investigators with the Criminal Investigations Division are continuing to follow up on this incident.
Freeman was nabbed for stealing at the Mason City Walmart back in 2014. She ended up guilty and owing Iowa courts $185.00. Over ten years later, she has yet to fully pay off this debt, records show.