A Juneau grand jury indicted two people for arson in connection to a fire at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park in mid-June.
The grand jury, which convened Friday, failed to return a true bill of indictment for a third person implicated in the crime, according to the indictments.
Ryan M. Martin, 23, and Ashley R. Johnston, 18, are now facing third-degree arson charges for intentionally damaging a motor vehicle by starting a fire or causing an explosion while that vehicle was located on state or municipal land.
That’s a class ‘C’ felony that can carry up to five years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
The District Attorney’s Office had originally charged Martin and Johnston with one felony, third-degree criminal mischief, for damaging the property of Shaw Sportexe and the City and Borough of Juneau. They were both indicted on that class ‘C’ felony charge as well, according to the indictments.
If convicted of both felonies, Martin and Johnston could each be facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Prosecutors said earlier Martin, Johnston, and Dillon P. West, 24, were all caught on video surveillance footage just before CCFR responded to the fire at the park around 4 a.m. on June 19.
Fire investigators said the arson caused about $20,000 in damages as it scorched materials being used to replace the tarp football field, including a John Deere tractor, a spreader trailer and special adhesive glue.
The indictment shows the grand jury did not return a true bill for West. The District Attorney’s Office presented the case to the jurors that he should be charged with third-degree arson, according to the document.
Assistant District Attorney Amy Williams said the misdemeanor charges against West will still go forward. He was previously charged with three class ‘A’ misdemeanors that are punishable by up to one year in prison each: criminal trespass, criminal mischief and furnishing alcohol to persons under 21.
Online court records show Martin and Johnson are scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Juneau Superior Court before Judge Louis Menendez.
• Contact reporter Emily Russo Miller at 523-2263 or at emily.miller@juneauempire.com.
Comments (10)
Add commentHe's ready
With the chain and the tats...he looks ready for his new career in Lemon Creek.
Try harder Ryan
I’m not one to base my perceptions solely on looks, but come on Ryan, roll down your sleeves and drop the cool wallet chain. At least try to look like you are trying to conform (not that I think law abiding citizens need to look all buttoned down, his situation calls for some extra effort).
Yeah, doesnt really appear to
Yeah, doesnt really appear to be trying to impress the judge with his nice-ness.
as
the great Ron White said "ya can't fix stupid" looks like the newest fratt boy for LCCC, keep your soap on a rope Ryan
He is who he is.
And again here we go with the all so familiar indicted on felony which could carry up to five years in prison or A $50,000 fine.I do not wish ill on anyone but lets get real here being indicted does not mean much here.If we did put more people in jail do a little hard time they might think twice about doing something stupid again.
Thank goodness
There was video surveillance because Laurel and Hardy from the Station 1 comedy club would have never of figured it out...
I hope Ryan is a hard-fisted
I hope Ryan is a hard-fisted type. There are some bad hombres out there at LCCC. He might end up singing "All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth."
First Glance
Since we're all judging on looks. He looks like "a nice guy" (sarcasm font)
Not all tattooed people are criminals.
I'm tattooed and employed.
Get with the times people..
Guide to what Tattoo's really mean
Please refer to this handy-dandy visual guide:
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x459/Muskegman/Tattoo-Locations.jpg
Tattoo
Totally agree on the tattoo thing NorthIslander. I too have tattoos. It is just that when representing yourself in court for doing a bad thing, you should try not to stand out as a "bad guy". I'm certain your tattoos are an artistic display or of honor to your family/culture but the reality is that they are percieved in a negative way by many and, in this instance, should be covered up to aid his case.