Donald Aaron 34, of Stuttgart appeared in federal court Monday to plead guilty to a charge of arson in a Sept. 23, 2014 fire in the Stuttgart courthouse annex. The fire damaged the building so much it had to be demolished, with a loss valued at $2.2 million.

Aaron was indicted in February. His plea bargain is to a  single count of maliciously destroying a building in interstate commerce. The charge carries a 7- to 40-year sentence.

Advertisement

Security cameras recorded Aaron walking to and from the area of the building just before of the fire. He was carrying objects and at ties seems to hide his face. He was seen near a broken first-floor window that was used to gain entry.

A news release from the U.S. attorney’s office said Aaron admitted lighting the fire. He said he was attempting to smoke methamphetamine using foil and a lighter when a flame shot up 18 inches high. He flew the flaming foil down and fled. The fire caught the building on fire.

Advertisement

Sentencing will be later.

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Scott Walker to quit presidential race Next article Hillary Clinton speaks at Philander Smith