ST. ALBANS — A couple accused of torching their vehicle two months ago to collect insurance money are facing charges by state authorities.

Thomas Carlton

On Sept. 29, Ann Hicks, 51, and Thomas Carlton, 54, both of Palmyra, are alleged by authorities to have set fire to their pickup truck on Pond Road. The truck was destroyed by the fire.

They were arrested Tuesday and charged by the Office of the State Fire Marshal with arson, conspiracy to commit arson, insurance fraud and filing a false public alarm, according to a news release from Steve McCausland, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety.

Ann Hicks

“Fire Investigators say the couple torched the truck to collect insurance proceeds,” McCausland said in the release.

The couple is being held at Somerset County Jail in East Madison.

Officials at the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately return calls Wednesday seeking details on the agency’s involvement with the case.