MUG SHOTS Ashlee Holmes’ dad Matt Holmes and wife Jodi Holmes arrested for arson, insurance fraud, and money laundering

We have more legal drama with the Real Housewives of New Jersey. John Madison “Matt” Holmes, who is Jacqueline Laurita’s ex-husband and the father of her daughter Ashlee, was brought into his local Sheriff’s office in June with his wife Jodi Sue Holmes for suspected insurance fraud, arson, and money laundering.

A “credit witness,” which Ashlee tweeted is a disgruntled employee making up lies, came forward claiming that the Holmes’ started the fire that destroyed their house in Weatherford, Texas March 12, 2011. They claim that the couple used gasoline and kerosene to purposely set fire to three of the rooms of the house.

Parker County Fire Marshal’s Investigator Ken Dabbs filed a complaint against the couple after the witness came forward because he could find no electrical shorts, or other reason for the fire to have started.

They received $429,000, and Dabbs posits that Jodi used the cash from the insurance company to make extravagant purchases including a $40,000 diamond ring, and plastic surgery. She was charged with money laundering.

Matt and Jodi Holmes were booked Thursday June 2, and released the following day with some hefty bonds that ate up a giant portion of their insurance settlement. Matt had a $225,000 bond and Jodi was released on $75,000 bond.

Ashlee tweeted Saturday (August 20, 2011) night about the situation: “FYI- my parents have NOT been indicted..this whole thing was started by a disgruntled employee..they are INNOCENT &that’s all i have to say.”

Source: Weatherford Democrat via Reality Tea