Work release inmate may face arson charge

July 29--A Beckley Correctional Center inmate who escaped in May, but was recaptured last week after riding a bicycle with no tail light reflectors, may be facing more charges including first-degree arson.

Chad Edward Cook, 40, who was recaptured on July 20 in Roanoke, Va., after being on the run since May 23, is among four Mountain State residents accused of first-degree arson, burning insured property and conspiracy.

Cook was interviewed May 22 by investigators with the West Virginia State Fire Marshal's office, a day before he failed to sign back in at the correctional center, the release stated.

The charges allege Cook was hired by George and Rebecca Bonnell to burn their Harrison County home so the couple could collect more than $171,000 in insurance.

A Dec. 1, 2011, fire destroyed the Bonnells' home.

The Bonnells and Samuel "Joey" Oldaker were arrested Friday and have posted bond.

Cook remains in jail and is expected to be charged once he is returned to West Virginia. His extradition is pending, according to the release.

Cook was previously convicted on three counts of fraud with an access device, two counts of forging a credit card and obtaining more than $1,000 of labor services by false pretenses. He also faces Virginia charges of falsifying a public document and a traffic violation.

-- E-mail: jgreene@register-herald.com

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