MAPLETON — More than two years after a new mansion suspiciously burned to the ground in Mapleton, fire investigators now admit it is unlikely they will ever be able to file arson charges.
However, the homeowner, Doug Sheneman, has been convicted of insurance and communications fraud in connection with the fire. And neighbors are also angry because they are still waiting for the rubble to be cleaned up.
On Feb. 12, 2009, fire destroyed the brand new mansion at 2545 S. Hidden Canyon Drive, which is a very exclusive new neighborhood known as the Triple Crown development. The owners were scheduled to move in days later.
A long investigation determined the fire started in a mechanical room, but an actual cause has never been determined.
Twenty-eight months after the fire, the property continues to be a black eye in the exclusive neighborhood.
"The whole neighborhood is collectively interested because it is an eyesore," neighbor Gerald Rampton said.
While the mansion or what's left of it is clearly an eyesore, it is also a hazard. There’s a deep basement that has been exposed. There’s also a swimming pool that was excavated and over the past couple of years has filled with rain water, creating a possible hazard for children.
"It seems like people then do something about it when somebody gets hurt,” said neighbor Shelley Rampton, “and I would hate to see it get to that point."
City officials say they haven't had any success in dealing with the property owner and, last summer, brought in a temporary fence.
"Without the homeowner’s permission, and he is refusing to give it to us, we are helpless to actually take some steps that would help the situation," Mapleton city administrator Bob Bradshaw said.
Neighbors were angry when they found out Sheneman, who was also the builder, received a $74,000 settlement to cover the costs of demolition.
Fraud investigators determined Sheneman created his own demolition company to clean up his own property, but never did the work. In addition to communications fraud, Sheneman pleaded guilty to insurance fraud for filing a claim on equipment lost in the fire, which actually belonged to a relative.
Neighbors are growing frustrated that no one is taking responsibility for the mess.
“We would really like some concrete answers that would give us a definite on what is going to happen and how this problem is going to be resolved," neighbor Mike Taylor said.
For now, what was once a beautiful home is leaving the neighborhood in an ugly mess.
As part of a plea in abeyance to the fraud charges, Sheneman paid restitution to the insurance company.
Sheneman referred all questions to his attorney, who has not returned any calls.