Akeley Man Charged with Arson and Attempted Murder

A 22-year-old Akeley man has been charged with nine counts of attempted murder in connection with a house fire in Chickama Beach earlier this week.

Brandon Todd Sannan is accused of intentionally setting fire to the home of Timothy and Carla Voelkes.  Their home was a total loss from the blaze just after midnight January 8th.  Six minor grand children were in the house at the time.  All escaped unharmed.

Cass County Attorney Christophor Strandlie said Voelkes' daughter had recently ended a relationship with Sannan,  who was described as possessive, sending up to 100 test messages a day.  Strandlie said the young man sent another text message apologizing for his actions.

Sannan is being held on $1 million dollars bail.  He faces up to 20 years in prison.