Claycomo official accused in plot to torch house across the street

CLAYCOMO, Mo. (AP) -- An elected official is accused of paying another man $500 to set fire to a vacant house across from his home in suburban Kansas City.

Marty Lambertson Jr., a member of the Claycomo Board of Trustees, and Caleb Hayes of Kansas City are charged with felony second-degree arson. Court documents say Lambertson hired Hayes to set the fire, helped him transfer gasoline into a container and dropped him off at the house.

Hayes is charged with breaking into the house and setting it ablaze.

Authorities say the 29-year-old Lambertson -- a truck driver -- wanted to buy the lot so he'd have a place to store his boat and park his truck.

The chairman of the board of trustees said Thursday that Lambertson will be allowed to serve until the matter is resolved.

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Information from The Kansas City Star: http://www.kansascity.com