Man Arrested for Arson in Mattoon House Fire

A Mattoon man has admitted to starting a house fire.

32-year-old Lawrence H. Moritz was arrested Thursday and charged with arson. 

Mattoon firefighters were called to the fire along Old State Road just after midnight on April 17. Once the fire was out, an investigation of the fire scene determined that it was likely a case of arson. 

Moritz was brought in for questioning by Mattoon police Thursday morning. During the interview, Moritz admitted to starting the fire. 

Mattoon Fire Chief Jeff Hilligoss thanked community partners that got authorities needed surveillance video that helped the investigation.