Florida CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Arrest of Jacksonville
Man Charged with Arson and Insurance Fraud
3/7/2012
Contact: Alexis Lambert or Deborah Cox
(850) 413-2842
TALLAHASSEE—Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today
announced the arrest of Christopher Koepke, of Jacksonville, after a joint investigation involving
the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI),
Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department (JFRD), the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office (JSO), the
Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms determined
that Koepke set fire to five vehicles and an apartment building in an attempt to commit insurance
fraud.
“This man intentionally endangered the lives of others in an attempt for personal gain through
insurance fraud,” CFO Atwater said. “Anyone who attempts any form of arson will be put
behind bars. I’m proud of the work done by my office, the Jacksonville fire and law enforcement
professionals to bring these individuals to justice.”
On Sept. 15, 2011, Jacksonville Fire Rescue responded to a fire at the Columns Apartment
Complex on Laurina St. in Jacksonville. The investigation revealed that Koepke intentionally set
the fires, hoping to collect insurance money on the damage to the contents of his apartment from
the fire. The fires caused more than $200,000 in damage.
Koepke was arrested and booked into the Duval County Jail on five counts of second-degree
arson to a vehicle, one count of first-degree arson to a dwelling and one count of insurance fraud.
If convicted, Koepke could face up to 135 years in prison.
To report arson, call 1-877-No-Arson (1-877-662-7766). A reward of up to $5,000 may be paid
for a tip that leads directly to an arrest and conviction.
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Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater, a statewide elected official,
oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Atwater’s priorities include fighting
financial fraud, abuse and waste in government, reducing government spending and regulatory
burdens that chase away businesses, and providing transparency and accountability in spending.