PIERRE A Pringle man has been arrested on felony arson charges related to nine separate wildland and structure fires that have recently occurred in Custer County.
Jerimiah James Stange, 31, was arrested Thursday. The fires occurred between Aug. 28, and Sept. 30, in various locations throughout Custer County.
These fires placed people at risk and damaged significant property, said South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley. Thank you to all of the firefighters that protected our communities, and the agencies that worked cooperatively in investigating this case and making the arrest.
The fires involved were:
- Aug. 28: Lime Kiln Fire
- Aug. 28: Carrol Creek Fire
- Sept. 20: 313 Fire
- Sept. 20: Pringle Cemetery Fire
- Sept. 20: Watershed Fire
- Sept. 20: 260 Palmer St. Fire
- Sept. 21: Shirt Fire
- Sept.26: Bowman Fire
- Sept. 30: 257 Palmer St. Fire
South Dakotas Division of Criminal Investigation and the Custer County Sheriffs Office led the investigation. Other assisting agencies were the DCI Forensic Lab, U.S. Forest Service, the State Fire Marshals Office, and State Wildland Fire.
The Custer County States Attorneys Office will prosecute the case.
Stange is being held in the Pennington County Jail, and his initial court appearance is pending.
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