A family argument over money in Cincinnati ended with a basement fire and felony charges, according to court records. A 62-year-old man, identified in filings as Jeffrey Ross, appeared in Hamilton County court Monday after police say he set a fire inside a home during a dispute with his son over cash. The blaze was found in the basement, and the son reportedly smothered the flames with a hoodie before calling 911. No injuries were reported, but Ross now faces multiple felony counts.
Police, according to WKRC, say Ross threatened to burn the house down during the argument and that the fire was discovered in the basement. Court documents say the son put out the blaze with a hoodie and then called police. Ross is charged with three counts of aggravated arson after his initial court appearance Monday.
Charges and legal exposure
Ross faces three counts of aggravated arson. Ohio law defines aggravated arson at ORC 2909.02, which covers fires that create a substantial risk of serious physical harm or that damage occupied structures. Those provisions can elevate an arson case to a first‑degree felony and may lead to long prison terms and, in some situations, arson‑offender registration.
What happened at the scene
Court documents say the son managed to smother the basement fire with a hoodie and called police before fire crews arrived. Firefighters then finished extinguishing the blaze. The initial report did not include a detailed estimate of property damage, and no additional injuries were reported, according to WKRC. Officials have not yet publicly released further details about bond or upcoming hearing dates.
Local context
Arson-related cases have been keeping local investigators busy this spring. In April, WLWT reported that a man pleaded guilty to setting Pride flags on fire at several locations across Cincinnati. Around the same time, WCPO covered a Miami Township arrest in which a suspect is accused of setting vehicles and a home on fire.
What happens next
Ross has been formally charged, and his case will now move through Hamilton County's court system. Any new filings, bond decisions or scheduled hearings will be reflected in public court records and in follow-up coverage.
