Troopers investigate alleged arson, violent robbery

WASILLA — A Wasilla man was jailed Monday after Alaska State Troopers say he burned down his family’s home.

Troopers responded to the fire on Williams Road at 3:40 p.m. Saturday. The home was not occupied and no one was hurt in the fire, according to a troopers report. The Red Cross provided lodging for the six people displaced by the blaze.

On Monday, troopers arrested Robert Montecelli, 28, of Wasilla for allegedly setting the blaze, according to the report. He was jailed at the Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility on $5,000 bail. An indictment was not available Tuesday and should be made available Wednesday. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Man beaten, robbed

A Wasilla man who thought he was heading to a Mat-Su Valley home for money he was owed ended up on the wrong end of a beating Monday.

Troopers got word early Monday morning that six men had beaten James Leseman, 23, of Wasilla with guns, brass knuckles and a sharp object, according to a troopers report.

Leseman had been summoned to a residence on North Brocton Road to collect his money, the report says. Upon arrival, the men threatened Leseman with guns, knives and brass knuckles, accused him of stealing electronics, drugs and a gun and demanded them back.

The men then beat Leseman, seriously injuring his face and body, took some of his belongings and left, according to the reports.

Leseman was taken to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, treated and released.