Maryland Woman Charged with Arson After Allegedly Setting Fire Over $7 Debt

A woman is facing felony arson charges for allegedly setting fire to a man's front door in Salisbury, Maryland, over a $7 dispute, with an upcoming court hearing scheduled.

By Savage RoyalT | August 6, 2025 | SavageRoyalT.com

SALISBURY, MD — A Maryland woman is facing multiple arson-related charges after she allegedly set fire to a man's front door over a $7 debt, then fled the scene on a bicycle, according to authorities.

Janice Oney, 51, has been charged with first-degree arson, second-degree arson, malicious burning, reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property, and theft under $100 in connection with a fire that occurred on July 3 in Salisbury, Maryland.

Three of the charges, reckless endangerment, destruction of property, and theft, are misdemeanors. Oney was arrested on August 1 and briefly held at the Wicomico County Detention Center before posting a $25,000 unsecured personal bond.

The Alleged $7 Firestarter

The victim, a man who lives in the 300 block of Penn Street, told investigators that Oney, "someone he had known for several years," visited his home and became upset after demanding $7 she claimed he owed her.

An argument followed. According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal, Oney left the residence, only to return minutes later with a bottle of gasoline. Surveillance footage and the victim’s statement allege she poured the gas on the front door, lit it on fire, and fled the scene on a bicycle.

Thankfully, the fire did not spread. The resident was able to extinguish the flames himself before the Salisbury Fire Department and state investigators arrived.

Surveillance Footage Links Suspect

While the fire was quickly put out, the investigation continued. Investigators reviewed nearby business surveillance footage, which they say linked Oney to the incident.

According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the footage corroborated the victim's version of events and showed Oney in the vicinity at the time of the incident.

Legal Status and Upcoming Court Date

After being arrested on August 1, Oney was formally charged and booked into the Wicomico County Detention Center. She was released shortly thereafter on a $25,000 unsecured personal bond, which does not require upfront payment unless she violates bond conditions.

Her preliminary court hearing is scheduled for August 28, 2025.

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