Sibley, Iowa — An Ashton man has pleaded not guilty to arson in connection with a fire at the home where he and his girlfriend were living last month.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office tells us that upon the investigation of a fire at a house fire at 533 5th Street in Ashton on February 24, 2023, an Osceola County Deputy arrested 32-year-old David Alvarez Jr of Ashton in connection with the fire. Alvarez is charged with alleged Arson 1st Degree, a Class B Felony; and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, a Class C Felony. He was transported and booked into the Osceola County Jail and held on a $35,000 bond.
Court documents indicate Alvarez lit a fire in the fireplace and then allegedly took a broom and started fires elsewhere in the home. The documents say Alvarez told the deputy he didn’t know why he set the fire.
His attorney filed a plea of not guilty on Monday, March 20th.
Court records indicate he will face a bond reduction hearing on April 3rd. At this point, a pretrial conference is scheduled for April 17th, 2023, with a jury trial scheduled for June 13th.
