Felony Charges Filed Against Man Allegedly Responsible For Warren Wildfire

Additional charges have been filed against the man allegedly responsible for the Warren County Wildfire this week.

Robert Vincent Halter was initially charged with two misdemeanors for reckless burning and trespassing. Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny Jr. said the suspect will now also be prosecuted for felony charges of arson and vandalism.

“Of course, we had the fire still burning,” Matheny said. “When we were able to get in there and continue our investigation, we found that there was personal property that was damaged that lead us to be able to charge the felony charge.”

Matheny said investigators interviewed witnesses that stated that the fire was intentionally set. Matheny said steps leading to a waterfall at the Isha Foundation on Harrison Ferry Mountain were damaged as well.

“There’s several structures there and they built steps down to a waterfall on the property,” Matheny said. “Those steps were damaged, and we’ve had some witnesses come forward. The investigation is still ongoing though.”

Matheny said the manpower, time and resources spent to extinguish the fire did not play a role in the charges. Matheny said the restitution issue would be decided by the court system.

Halter will appear before General Sessions Judge Ryan Moore on Tuesday for arraignment. Mr. Halter remains in custody with a total bond set at $47,500.00.

Halter has been previously charged with reckless Burning and criminal trespassing.