Arsonist burns down accused child molesters Pasco County home

PASCO COUNTY (FOX 13) - The home of a Pasco County man accused of molesting a 7-year-old girl caught fire Thursday morning, and investigators say arson is to blame.

“I'm happy it’s gone. I don’t have to worry about my mother now,” said neighbor Sharon Smith about the home.   “What wasn’t going on? Stolen merchandise, drugs, and all the sexual things going on,” she added.

Before it was charred to bits, the home belonged to 60-year-old Spencer Joyce.

He was arrested in October accused of touching a 7-year-old girl.  Her caregiver beat him up in the process.  Joyce has been locked up in jail since.

“I think what happened with the little girl somebody retaliated," said Smith.

Investigators are looking into that very strong possibility. They have ruled the fire an arson.

"They're looking at all avenues at what caused that fire. Who caused that fire, and why they caused that fire,” said Division Chief Shawn Whited with Pasco Fire Rescue.

Fortunately, no firefighters were hurt putting it out.

Neighbor David Molodecki also isn’t too upset to see this place turned to rubble.

“To be honest with you I didn’t really like the guy. For three year I’ve been telling the sheriff’s office things have been going on here,” Molodecki said.  “Problem's gone!  It was a nightmare to be honest, and I’m glad it is gone,” he said.

There is a $5000 reward for information that leads to the arsonist.