Arson suspect released on $2,500 bond
Published 12:00 am Thursday, February 11, 2010
The former Utica volunteer firefighter accused of setting eight fires in Vicksburg since 2000 was released on a $2,500 bond late Wednesday.
Willingness to work with state and local authorities resulted in the low bond for Leroy Evans, 32, officials said.
Northern District Justice Court Judge Eddie Woods said the request was made by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Difficulties in paying a higher bond — typically around $100,000 for intentionally burning a structure — and pending determinations about his emotional state were cited as additional reasons.
“This is kind of your lucky day,” Woods told Evans during the preliminary hearing before ordering the bond, which mandates he stay away from fire officials and fire scenes while investigators study two additional charges the state says are pending. Arson of a structure carries a maximum penalty of 20 years per charge and has no statute of limitations in Mississippi.
Most of the eight fires for which investigators blame Evans occurred Jan. 25 when five homes and a neighborhood store at Jackson and Second North streets burned.
Woods warned Evans to respect the order. “Do not go to a fire scene and interfere with fire officials,” Woods said. “I’m at $2,500 now. The only reason I’m doing this is because they’re requesting it.”
In court, Evans said an aunt lives at the address on Mississippi 27 in Edwards supplied to Vicksburg police and fire officials as his address. Investigators questioned him at River Chase Apartments on South Street, reportedly his mother’s residence. When asked by Woods where he lives, Evans replied, “Anywhere.” Evans had fought with his mother in Vicksburg before setting the most recent fire, state fire investigators said. District Attorney’s Office records indicated Evans was charged in 1998 with violent child abuse but he was no-billed by the Warren County grand jury, meaning grand jurors found there was not enough criminal evidence to take the case to trial.
Along with the Jan. 25 fires, Evans is charged with setting fires at 1600 Marcus St. on Dec. 19, 2007, 1409 Smiths Alley on March 21, 2007 and 114 Jones Alley on Oct. 9, 2000. Investigators have said Evans served as a volunteer with the Bench Fire Station in Utica within the past five years, but couldn’t specify when. Calls there have not been returned.
Contact Danny Barrett Jr. at dbarrett@vicksburgpost.com