Posted: Wednesday, November 26, 2008 12:00 am
The Lebanon Police Department arrested David Allen Rios, 29, on Nov. 21 in connection with the Sept. 10 arson fire at the Pregnancy Alternatives Center.
Rios, a transient from the Lebanon area, was arrested at about 9 a.m. at the Linn County Jail, where he was being held on parole and probation violations. He was arrested on Nov. 5 for the violations and a probable cause hold was placed on him. Rios has been charged with Arson I, two counts of second-degree burglary, first-degree theft by receiving and hindering prosecution. First-degree arson is an A Felony; the other charges are C felonies.
As of Monday, security was set at $50,000 for the arson charge, $12,000 for each of the burglary counts and $6,000 for the theft charge.
Lebanon police Sgt. Kevin Martinez said numerous interviews and following up on leads led the investigation to Rios, who has a criminal record in Linn County dating back to 1999.
Rios could still face federal charges.
"At this point, it's at the state level," Martinez said, adding that federal authorities could get involved at a later date.
Linn County District Attorney Jason Carlile said that first-degree arson carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the other charges carry up to five years. The type of arson and aggravating factors can make a big difference in sentencing, Carlile said.
A reward of up to $10,000 has been offered in the case for information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fire. The reward is still available, Martinez said.
The Pregnancy Alternatives Center has moved to a temporary location at 193 Vine St. while its building, which was heavily damaged by the fire, is undergoing repairs.
The motive for the fire is unknown. The investigation is continuing and the Lebanon Police Department asks anyone with information to contact Sgt. Kevin Martinez at 258-4305.