State v. Bright

Appellant, Randy Bright (Bright), appeals his conviction for criminal conspiracy, second-degree arson, and burning personal property to defraud an insurer. The only issue on appeal is whether the trial court erred in admitting evidence of two previous fire losses, for which Bright made insurance claims and was paid. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

I. FACTS

On November 15, 1992, Bright’s home was destroyed by fire. At the time the home burned, it was insured for $175,400 and its contents for $131,550. As a result of the fire, Bright received payment from Nationwide Insurance Company in…