DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- A central Iowa man charged with reckless use of fire for allegedly setting his house on fire wanted to get rid of evil spirits, according to prosecutors.

Jimmie Lee Stephens, 58, was arrested in Indianola after officials said he set fire to his Carlisle home on Aug. 9.

Warren County prosecutors said Stephens told police he set his couch on fire.

"That is what you have to do to remove the evil spirits," prosecutors claim Stephens said.

The fire caused minor smoke damage to the house. It remains under investigation.

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Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com