The Mexico Public Safety Department (MPSD) with the help of Columbia Police have arrested and charged a man with first degree arson in connection with the Nu-Tone Building fire.

The man, James H. Schade, 42, was a resident of the apartment that initially caught fire. According to court records Schade told investigators he intentionally started the fire on Saturday Feb. 3 because he was being evicted and thought starting the fire would somehow make it easier for him to find a new home.

Investigators viewed a surveillance video that showed Schade pacing outside his apartment with his two dogs for 26 minutes and leaving about 15 minutes before smoke started coming out of the apartment. 

Schade told investigators he left a bag of chicken on the stove and turned the burner on before leaving. Investigators also saw Schade on video during the fire operations removing a bag of belongings that had been hidden in some construction equipment.

During the investigation police also learned that Schade had set up a Go Fund Me page and had made multiple social media posts soliciting donations. 

According to the court records the Nu-Tone Building has eight apartments but only six were occupied. No humans were injured during the fire but a dog and two cats were killed. Seven people were occupying apartments at the time of the fire.

The fire spread from Schade’s apartment into the attic of the building. Smoke and water damage have made all of the units uninhabitable.

Columbia Police Department arrested Schade without incident on Thursday, Feb. 8. Schade will have his first court appearance on Thursday, Feb. 15, for a hearing to set a bond. 

Anyone who donated to the page is asked to contact Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.