October 3, 2023
A Clinton man received a felony arson charge last week in Custer County District Court after setting a mattress on fire inside a rent home.
According to court records, 47-year-old Dennis James Cokeley received a fourth degree arson charge for his role in the house fire that occurred on August 15 in the 500 block of S. 12th Street in Clinton.
A probable cause affidavit showed that’s when police and fire personal were dispatched to the home after Cokeley allegedly dialed 911 to report the fire.
An investigation showed that the fire had allegedly begun on a mattress inside the home, and a witness would say that she saw smoke coming from the home and Cokeley in the backyard watching it. She would tell police that Cokeley would also re-enter the home a few more times before contacting authorities.
The affidavit stated that damages to the property came out to just under $4,500.
If convicted, Cokeley could face up to 10 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.
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