A Jackson LGBTQ rights activist whose home was destroyed in a fire in the summer of 2017 is charged with intentionally setting it.

Nicole (Nikki) Joly, 53, was arraigned Tuesday on one count of First Degree Arson in Jackson County District Court.

First Degree Arson carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Joly's home on Pringle Ave. in Jackson caught fire in August of 2017. Joly and his partner, Chris Moore were not hurt. But their two dogs and two cats died in the fire, and a firefighter was hurt while trying to put it out.

Authorities had been investigating the fire as suspicious after detecting traces of gasoline in the home.

A preliminary exam is scheduled for October 11 at 9:30 a.m. in District Court Judge Daniel Goostrey's court.

News 10's Megan Hiler will have more on News 10 at 6.