Woman Accused Of Setting Fire To 2 Neighboring Homes

MARENGO, IL — A 61-year-old Marengo woman accused of setting fire to two neighboring homes has agreed to remain in custody pending trial after prosecutors said she poses a real and present threat to the safety of others and the community.

Kristin Nice agreed Wednesday to remain detained rather than proceed with a hearing on the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office’s petition to detain her, according to state's attorney's office. Nice is charged with two counts of residential arson, both Class 1 felonies, stemming from fires allegedly set at two neighboring Marengo homes.

Nice also agreed to revoke her pretrial release in two other pending cases. She previously had been released on charges of residential burglary and aggravated assault to a police officer stemming from an incident in June, according to prosecutors.

“Two homes were allegedly set on fire in a residential neighborhood, putting families, neighbors, and first responders at risk,” Freese said in a statement. “When someone’s conduct continues to escalate and threatens the safety of an entire neighborhood, we will act aggressively to protect the community.”

Nice’s next court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 4 in courtroom 304.