Suspect Arrested For Arson By Clay County Sheriff’s Office

On March 10, 2026, at approximately 8:05 a.m. the Clay County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 3000 Block of Ironwood Road in Xenia, for a report of a structure fire. It was also reported that there was still someone in the residence.

When the deputy arrived, the fire had already been extinguished, and it was determined that no one was still in the residence. The deputy collected evidence at the scene that indicated that the fire had been set intentionally and a suspect was taken into custody. The suspect was transported to a local hospital and was turned over to medical staff for further treatment.

As a result of the investigation, Clay County State’s Attorney Phillip Givens requested an arrest warrant for Jeffery D. Allen, 56, of Xenia, for the offense of Residential Arson. Allen was taken into custody by the Sheriff’s Office on March 18, 2026, and remains incarcerated in the Clay County Jail at the time of this release.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Xenia and Flora Fire Protection Districts, Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, Clay County Ambulance Service, and the Clay County State’s Attorney’s Office.