Lyon County youth in arson hot seat

A hearing is scheduled for a 12-year-old Silver Springs boy implicated in a series of fires.

Lyon County sheriff's deputies arrested the boy this week following a fire investigation into five cases of arson on a stretch of property at 3060 Powell St. in Silver Springs.

The boy, whose name is not being revealed because he is a minor, is being held at the Carson City Juvenile Detention Center for suspicion of starting at least two of the fires.

The first fire, which took place in a small shed on the property, was reported two weeks ago to the Central Lyon County Fire Department. Firefighters quickly extinguished it and determined arson to be the cause.

On Saturday firefighters returned to the property to fight a fire that had been started inside a travel trailer. It was also extinguished and determined to be arson.

On Sunday, firefighters returned a third time to be met by fires in the shed and another travel trailer. While they were battling the flames, a mobile home at that location ignited from within.

Lyon County Chief Deputy District Attorney John Schlegelmilch believes his office has strong evidence that links the boy to the alleged crimes. "There is a petition filed for arson," he said.

Schlegelmilch said the age of the defendant restricts the amount of information he can divulge.

"I can't really talk about the facts, but I can say the facts will definitely support the charge," he said.

Lyon County Chief Probation Officer Chuck Steele said the boy is scheduled for a detention hearing today to determine if he should remained confined or be released into adult custody. A detention hearing must take place within 72 hours of a juvenile's arrest.

A report has also been forwarded to Schlegelmilch for review, he said.