FAIRFIELD — Authorities say a Jefferson County man tried to avoid methamphetamine charges by burning down his barn. So they charged him with arson.

Deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office went to 2478 Marigold Blvd. in rural Jefferson County on Wednesday. Law enforcement believed the location was involved in the manufacture and sale of meth.

The deputies met with Charles Matson, 50, the resident at the home. They searched the property and found evidence that matched the accusations that there was a meth lab present.

That’s when Matson apparently panicked. While deputies discussed their options, Matson allegedly ran into a barn on the property with a fuel can in his hands. He dumped the fuel into the barn and lit it as the deputies tried to stop him.

The resulting fire completely destroyed the barn. But if Matson hoped the act would prevent him from being charged, the plan backfired.

Matson now faces a charge of arson in the first degree, a Class B felony, and will likely face additional charges. Jefferson County Attorney Tim Dille announced on Thursday that the investigation continues and that “further charges are pending.”

The arson also brought additional investigators into the case. The state fire marshal’s office is involved, as are the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Washington County Sheriff’s office and the fire departments from Fairfield, Birmingham and Libertyville.

Dille asked that anyone with information about the case contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office or the Jefferson County Attorney’s office.

Matson could spend up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the arson charge.

Matt Milner can be reached at (641) 683-5359 or via e-mail at mwmilner@mchsi.com