Domestic Dispute Leads to Arson, Drug Charges, and Felony Battery - Woman Tried to Set Ex on Fire

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A woman who was already on probation was arrested, accused of trying to set her ex-boyfriend and his home on fire.



Melanie Botts, 39, was arrested Monday on charges of domestic battery, arson, criminal mischief, drug possession and violation of probation.

Investigators said they were called to a home on Beth Lane in Palm Coast. Deputies said they could smell gasoline as they arrived and spotted a gas can on fire in front lawn of the home.

The victim told deputies Botts showed up at his home in the morning as he was getting ready to leave his home, records show. The two got into an argument and Botts, according to deputies, went to the garage to retrieve the gas can.

Investigators said the woman spread gasoline around the home and attempted to pour some on the victim before lighting the gas can on fire inside the home. Deputies said the victim was able to remove the gas can from the home and was not hurt.

Deputies said they tried to make contact with Botts, but the woman ended up contacting them on an unrelated case.

Botts was arrested and deputies said they found prescription medication in her pocket as she was being arrested. In body camera video of the arrest, Botts can be heard saying, “That’s not mine,” in reference to some of the medication found in her pockets.

Botts was already on probation for a previous felony battery charge. She is now being held in the Flagler County jail on a $61,000 bond.