JEFFERSON COUNTY — Additional charges are expected to be filed against a 49-year-old Centralia man jailed for setting fire to a home on East Dix-Irvington Road last month.

John Brown (Source: JCSO)
John Brown
(Source: JCSO)

John H. Brown had reportedly been living with his girlfriend at the home when he allegedly began pouring gasoline around the inside of the residence, set it ablaze with his family inside, and then fled the home on foot.

The family was able to escape the fire without injury, but the home and its contents were a complete loss. Brown was ultimately arrested at a Centralia residence after a day-long search for him throughout the area.

He was scheduled for a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Jefferson County Court, but that court setting was rescheduled when prosecutors announced the case would go before a grand jury Thursday morning, with additional charges anticipated.

Brown is now scheduled for a preliminary hearing Thursday afternoon. He is already charged with Class X felony aggravated arson/knowing people are present.