FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2007


PCB man convicted of arson and cruelty to animals
 

State Attorney Steve Meadows announces the conviction, and sentence, of Timothy R. Reese on charges of arson of a dwelling and felony cruelty.

A three males, three females jury deliberated 28 minutes before finding that Reese, 43, of Sunset Avenue, set fire to a house at 6901 Sunset Avenue and killed the dog living within.

Bay County Chief Assistant State Attorney Mark Graham presented evidence that, on September 19, 2005, Reese lit a gasoline fire in the living area the house he shared with the victim. The victim was able to escape through a window. The home was a complete loss. The dog, a five-year old black lab, was found in the building by investigators.

Circuit Court Judge Dedee S. Costello sentenced Reese, on the spot, to 20 years in prison. Florida law requires that an inmate serve at least 85 per cent of his sentence.