Hunter
07/18/22
An area transient with a lengthy criminal history has now been charged with arson.
46-year-old Michael Dacunos was allegedly seen on camera Sunday at 7 pm walking up to a pile of abandoned property sitting against Shelter House on Southgate Avenue and then walking away. Shortly afterwards, smoke and flames began coming from the area where the property was left.
Security footage shows Dacunos was the only person near the area at the time, and when officers confronted him he was reportedly wearing the same clothing as seen in the footage. Dacunos allegedly denied setting the fire but admitted walking up to the abandoned property.
Shelter House suffered burn and smoke damage to the outside of the property, with the odor of smoke permeating the entire building.
Dacunos was arrested and charged with 1st degree Arson, a Class B Felony punishable by a prison term of up to 25 years if convicted.
Just last week, Dacunos was sentenced to concurrent and consecutive 150 day sentences, with credit given for time served after he allegedly assaulted a woman in an Iowa City park and kicked her dog The original charges against him could have put him in prison for up to five years. He has a history of following and attacking women in Iowa City. He also has numerous charges against him for other assaults and for damaging motor vehicles.