Jonah Watson, a 26-year-old Nevada resident, is facing new arson charges after allegedly igniting two brush fires in Dayton, Nevada on the Fourth of July. These fires endangered homes and businesses on the outskirts of the town, prompting the intervention of firefighters and local citizens who used garden hoses to help contain the flames.
This incident follows Watson's previous arrest in December 2022 for allegedly setting a fire that destroyed three historic buildings in Dayton, including the Fox Hotel. He was released on bail in that case. Now, he faces additional charges of third-degree arson and reckless endangerment, with a new bail set at $15,000.
Watson's lawyer, Theresa Ristenpart, explains that a judge had previously deemed him incompetent to stand trial. She has been working to get him mental health treatment, but resources are limited in northern Nevada. Lake's Crossing in Sparks is reportedly the only facility in the region that accepts mentally ill defendants involved in the criminal justice system, and they were awaiting availability there prior to these new allegations.
