On August 21, deputies with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department and firemen were dispatched to Mandy Lane in reference to a brush fire.

When deputies arrived, the fire was already burning most of Mr. Robert Michael Johns’ property and his neighbor’s fields.

Johns had previously (within the last 12 months) been cited for burning while a burn ban was in effect. He was arrested for burning while under a burn ban.

Upon seeing the Judge for arraignment, the charge was enhanced to Arson/Willfully or recklessly setting fire to woods or fields.

No bond has been set at this time.