Powell Man Arrested for Arson
Written by Andrew-Rossi on April 24, 2018
A Powell man has been arrested and charged with arson in a fire that completely destroyed a motorhome behind the apartments at 989 Lane 8 and a half this past Saturday.
50 year old Garland Michael Melnar is being held in the Park County Detention Center on a charge of 3rd degree arson in the “torching” of a motorhome owned by 43 year old Powell resident Stacy Durkland Repass. Repass is also being held in the Detention Center on an unrelated drug charge.
The Park County Sheriff’s Office says the fire was apparently retribution for a perceived drug deal gone bad. According to witness statements, Melnar had agreed to purchase $100 worth of methamphetamines, but Repass claimed that the money to purchase the drugs had been stolen. However, Melnar was convinced that Repass had in fact stolen the money, and in retaliation, Melnar set Repass’ motorhome on fire.
The Powell Fire Department responded at 8:02 a.m. Saturday, and although Melnar denied to law enforcement that he was involved, he allegedly admitted setting the fire to at least one witness.