Man indicted in EKU arson case

Local News

December 19, 2011

By Ronica Shannon Register News Writer The Richmond Register Mon Dec 19, 2011, 08:30 AM EST

RICHMOND — An Eastern Kentucky University student arrested in October for setting a dormitory fire was indicted Wednesday for arson and several other charges.

Stephen McFarland, 19, of Williamsburg, faces charges of first-degree arson, a Class A felony; first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree wanton endangerment and first-degree promoting contraband, all Class D felonies, as well as second-degree possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor.

If convicted, he could spend life in prison.

McFarland was arrested Oct. 14 for setting two fires in Commonwealth Hall, where he was a resident.

The arson occurred at 4:13 a.m., according to university spokesperson Marc Whitt.

Hallway bulletin boards were burning on two floors, causing minor damage to the walls.

The sprinkler system activated and the building was evacuated. No injuries were reported during the incident, Whitt said.

Investigators from the Richmond Fire Department along with EKU police and the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire was intentionally set.

McFarland was released Oct. 28 from the Madison County Detention Center on a $20,000 property bond.

In other indictments:

• Anthony Crutcher, failure to comply with the state sex offender registration, a Class D felony. If convicted, Crutcher could serve up to five years in prison.

• Kendra Yarber, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, a Class D felony. If convicted, Yarber could serve up to five years in prison.

• Brandon Wren, second-degree escape, a Class D felony, and first-degree persistent felony offender, a Class B felony. If convicted, Wren could serve up to 20 years in prison.

• Thelma Burns, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, a Class D felony, possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class a misdemeanor and third-degree possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, Burns could serve up to five years in prison.

• Jesse Albert Campbell, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, a Class D felony and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class a misdemeanor. If convicted, Campbell could serve up to five years in prison.

An indictment is a formal statement of charges and does not imply guilt.

Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 624-6608.

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