Indiana Man Admits Setting Fire to His Own Laundry Room Because He Was “Stressed and Pissed Off” Over Credit Card Debt

WINCHESTER, INDIANA — A 29-year-old Indiana man allegedly set fire to his own laundry room, then calmly headed to work — later telling police he did it because he was “stressed and pissed off” about being buried in credit card debt.

Travis Clark walked into the Winchester Police Department on Oct. 27 and told officers he wanted to “confess to a crime.” What followed, authorities said, was a surprising admission of arson for insurance money.

“Bills Were Piling Up,” Clark Told Police

According to court documents obtained by WXIN, Clark admitted that he deliberately started a fire in his laundry room in late September before leaving for work. He told investigators that mounting financial pressure had pushed him to the breaking point.

“He said he was stressed and pissed off that he was in debt with credit cards,” investigators wrote.

Clark allegedly said he hoped the insurance payout would help him settle his debts. However, his plan backfired when insurance investigators discovered inconsistencies in his claim.

Prior Attempt and Search History

Police said Clark also confessed that this wasn’t his first attempt to burn down his home for money. He admitted to trying a similar scheme about three years ago — but claimed the insurance company never investigated that fire.

This time, Clark told officers, he took it further. After meeting with an insurance adjuster, he allegedly “took a butane lighter and torched the wire even more” to make the fire appear accidental and “more convincing.”

Court filings also revealed that Clark had searched online for “how to start a fire” before the incident.

Released on Bond After Confession

Following his confession, Clark was charged with one count of arson and booked into the Randolph County Jail. He was later released on a $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on February 2, 2026.

In a written statement to police, Clark said he “snapped” under the pressure of mounting bills.

No one was injured in the fire, but investigators say the case highlights the growing financial stress many households face.

Do you think financial desperation should ever be considered a defense in crimes like arson? Share your thoughts and follow developing local stories at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.