Little Opry Manager Charged With Arson

James D. Bowyer

(Nashville, Ind.) - The manager of the Little Nashville Opry has been charged with starting the fire that destroyed the venue three years ago.

James D. Bowyer, 75, was arrested Tuesday and charged with Arson for the September 19, 2009 blaze that destroyed the venue known for hosting classic country music acts.

Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found traces of ignitable liquid where the fire had been started on the stage.

Bowyer has also allegedly had the sprinkler system shut off just prior to the destructive blaze.

According to court documents, at the time of the fire, the venue had more than $170,000 in expenses coming due and less than $9,000 in the bank to pay them. 

There were also two lawsuits pending against the Opry which carried potential liability of upt o $270,000.

Federal investigators also pushed for the prosecution of Opry owner Esther Hamilton, but Brown County Prosecutor Jim Oliver said evidence only pointed at Bowyer starting the fire.

Court documents showed Bowyer and Hamilton visited several Indiana casinos in several years leading up to the fire. Bowyer had lost more than $160,000 to the casinos and Hamilton was out $150,000.

On the date of the fire, Bowyer had only $148 in his savings account.