New Portland Man Arrested on Arson Charges

The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office has arrested a 43-year-old New Portland man on three counts of arson related to fires dating back to 2023.

On Tuesday evening, March 31, Somerset County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted the State Fire Marshal’s Office in taking Ashley Taylor into custody without incident on outstanding arrest warrants.

Taylor was transported to the Somerset County Jail following the arrest.

Warrant #1: Arson at Remote Camp in Moscow
Taylor faces one count of arson in connection with a fire on June 28, 2023, at a remote camp located at 7 Levi Road in Moscow. Investigators allege that Taylor knew the owner of the camp and had a prior disagreement with them. The camp was completely destroyed in the blaze. The property owners discovered the fire damage and contacted the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, which then requested assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office. No injuries were reported. Bail on this warrant was set at $100,000 cash.

Warrant #2: Two Arson Charges in New Portland
Taylor is also charged with two counts of arson stemming from two separate fires set on May 5, 2024, on Taylor Pit Road in New Portland. According to investigators: A building owned by Taylor’s mother was destroyed. A 1987 Fleetwood RV owned by his nephew was also destroyed.

No injuries were reported in either incident.

Bail on this warrant was also set at $100,000 cash.

Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, working in coordination with the Somerset County District Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement, have been actively investigating these cases since 2023. The multi-year probe ultimately led to the three arson charges.