A Vernon man and former Salmon Arm Secondary teacher, has been charged in connection with several 2014 arson cases.
In 2014, the North Okanagan experienced a rash of arsons, where targets ranged from dumpsters and vehicles to boats and building structures.
While some incidents of arson in 2014 resulted in suspects being identified and charged, there were several other incidents that remained unsolved.
Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP committed resources to investigating these unsolved arsons.
“It is the dedicated efforts of several investigators over the past two years that has resulted in charges being laid,” said Supt. Jim McNamara, officer in charge of the Vernon-North Okanagan Detachment.
On June 1, Vernon RCMP investigators arrested 55-year-old William Murray Phelps Munton of Vernon, who has since been released from police custody for a future court date. Munton was a former teacher at Salmon Arm Secondary School’s Sullivan campus, though the school district confirmed he hasn’t worked for the district since June 2005.
Charges have been laid against Munton for intentionally or recklessly causing damage by fire or explosion to property: a Chevrolet Lumina minivan (June 22 to 29, 2014), a new home under construction (July 7 to 8, 2014), a duplex under construction (Oct. 16, 2014) and tires and a trailer (Nov. 20, 2014).
Vernon RCMP continue their investigation and anticipate evidence to support additional charges of arson will be forwarded for approval against a person(s) responsible.
Anyone with information with respect to the above arson cases are asked to contact the Vernon RCMP.