Allen Parish man accused 10 counts simple arson

Photo taken from Allen Parish Sheriff's Office website.

An Oberlin man is charged with 10 counts of simple arson by Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF) enforcement agents, according to LDAF.

Law enforcement agents accuse Bradley Montou, 67, of setting several fires in Allen Parish along LA 26 and in wooded areas west of Oberlin on the day of his arrest. LDAF fire crews had responded to three along the highway and another seven in wooded areas near the highway.

Witnesses reported to law enforcement about a man walking along the highway where several small fires were set. "The suspect, identified as Bradley Montou, was later observed entering a wooded area and setting additional fires," according to an LDAF press release.

After his arrest by LDAF enforcement agent and an Allen Parish Sheriff's Office detective, he was booked into the parish jail and bond was set at $75,000. According to the APSO website, Montou was still listed as being in the parish jail on Monday, Sept. 22.

"Thanks to the quick actions of LDAF fire crew personnel, LDAF aircraft and investigators from both LDAF and local agencies, the fires were kept to minimal sizes and the suspect was apprehended quickly," LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain said in the press release.

LDAF reminds the public that anyone arrested is accused of a crime and is considered innocent until proven guilty.

The public is urged to report any and all forestry-related crimes to the LDAF 24-hour hotline at 855-452-5323.