Cumberland County man accused of setting fire to Burkesville City Hall

Published 3:30 pm Thursday, October 24, 2024

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A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned an indictment accusing a Cumberland County man with setting fire to the City Hall in Burkesville, Ky., almost exactly four years ago.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement of the indictment.

According to the indictment, Nathan Riddle, 47, was charged with arson of a building receiving federal funds, and arson of a building affecting interstate commerce. On Oct. 25, 2020, Riddle maliciously damaged by means of fire, the Burkesville City Hall, which was owned by the City of Burkesville. The city has received federal funding, and the building participated in business which affected interstate commerce.

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After Riddle made his initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, the Court ordered him to be detained pending further proceedings.

If convicted on those charges, Riddle faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.