Pacemaker data helps bust arson insurance claim fraudster
Data contained on a heart pacemaker has been used to prosecute a man who burned his home down and tried to claim a $400,000 loss from his insurance company, according to court records. The Ohio man's cardiac device was accessed for data such as heart rate and physical activity during the time he claimed to have hastily gathered belongings from his burning home. But the data showed "it was highly improbable" he'd be able to have done so. He was indicted on on felony charges of aggravated arson and insurance fraud.
MIDDLETOWN, OH — Investigators used the data from an Ohio man’s pacemaker to help get an indictment in a fire that caused about $400,000 in damage, CBS Dayton affiliate WHIO reports.

Ross Compton, 59, has been indicted on felony charges of aggravated arson and insurance fraud for allegedly starting the fire at his house on Sept. 19, 2016.

Police said Compton gave statements that were “inconsistent” with the evidence at the fire.

Compton, who has extensive medical problems including an artificial heart implant that uses an eternal pump, told police that when he saw the fire, he packed some belongings in a suitcase and bags. He told police that he then broke out the glass of his bedroom window with a cane and threw the bags and suitcase outside before taking them to his car.

Ross Compton, 59, was indicted on felony charges of aggravated arson and insurance fraud for allegedly starting the fire that caused $400,000 in damage to his house in Middletown, Ohio. WHIO

So police got a search warrant for all electronic data stored in Compton’s cardiac pacing device, according to court records obtained by WHIO.

The data taken from Compton’s pacemaker included his heart rate, pacer demand and cardiac rhythms prior to, during and after the fire.

A cardiologist who reviewed that data determined “it is highly improbable Mr. Compton would have been able to collect, pack and remove the number of items from the house, exit his bedroom window, and carry numerous large and heavy items to the front of his residence during the short period of time he has indicated due to his medical conditions,” the court documents state.

The fire caused about $400,000 in damage to the structure and contents of the 2,000-square-foot home, according to the deputy fire chief.

Compton couldn’t be reached for comment by WHIO. Court records don’t list an attorney for him.