Felony arson case against Bentonville man dismissed
Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2008
BENTONVILLE - Prosecuting attorneys came close to being able to prove Bentonville resident Clarence Spence, 35, was guilty of arson, but not close enough to proceed with Spence's trial.
Circuit Judge David Clinger approved the prosecution's motion Monday to dismiss the charge against Spence. According to that motion, the state had ruled out all accidental causes of the July 26 fire at Spence's residence at 1401 N. E. Bluff Spring, but could not prove the fire was started intentionally.
The arson charge was a class Y felony and, if Spence was convicted, would have required a sentence of 10 to 40 years or life in prison. Spence entered a not-guilty plea to the charge on Oct. 23.
The fire that Spence was accused of starting at his house in the Kensington subdivision was confined to the garage but still destroyed a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette and significantly damaged two other vehicles. Spence was arrested Aug. 21 and had been released from jail on $ 100, 000 bond.
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