Brown pleads guilty to hay bale arson

BONNERS FERRY — A Bonners Ferry man accused of setting hay bales on fire near Copeland on July 16 pled guilty on Sept. 5.

Gary L. Brown, 19, was charged with a felony count of arson in the second degree, a misdemeanor of operating a motor vehicle under the influence, and a misdemeanor of a minor in possession of alcohol.

Bond was set and posted for $101,000.

Court documents state that Trisha and Tracie Amoth observed a vehicle pull up to their barn/shed on Krause Road around 2 a.m., someone ignite a fire on a hay bale and speed away. Dallas Amoth pursued the vehicle and was able to relay the license plate and vehicle description to dispatch.

Authorities stopped the car at Three Mile corner and arrested Brown for a DUI. Two juveniles also present in the car were detained for minor in possession and investigation of arson. The juveniles were later released to their parents.

Court documents state several thousands of dollars in equipment and hay were destroyed.

According to court documents, Brown plead guilty because “I feel I need to man up and take the actions I have caused and consequences. ”

Brown requested a plea agreement that includes dismissing the remainder of misdemeanor charges; restitution for all damages; supervised probation with minimum of four years; $500 fines and costs; 90 days jail with work release; a letter of apology; underlying sentence of three to six years suspended; and openly consult regarding burglaries in Eastport area.

At sentencing on Oct. 25, Judge Barbara Buchanan will decide whether to accept the plea agreement and dismiss the remaining misdemeanor charges.

Felony arson is punishable up to 15 years in prison and/or up to a $75,000 fine.