Indy Couple Pleads to Burning Their Own House

A Northeast Iowa couple, accused of burning their own house down, has pleaded guilty.

On Tuesday (Dec. 13), 31 year old Brandon Dorsey and 28 year old Jessi Dorsey, both of Independence, entered guilty pleas to charges of Arson in the 2nd Degree, in Buchanan County District Court.

An investigation by the Independence Police Department, Independence Fire Department, and Iowa State Fire Marshall, determined that the Dorsey's intentionally caused the September 22nd, 2014 fire to their home at 302 8th Avenue NE.

After the fire, a fundraising account was established for the couple at BankIowa; the Dorsey's received monetary donations from the community, as well as from students at the Independence Community School District. The couple also received assistance from the American Red Cross, as well as many donations.

The restitution was estimated to be more than $40,000.

Brandon and Jessi Dorsey are scheduled to be sentenced on February 14th.