Volunteer firefighter in Texas facing 20 counts of arson

A Texas volunteer firefighter and emergency medical services crew member was arrested July 5 on 20 counts of felony arson charges.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Texas volunteer firefighter and emergency medical services crew member was arrested July 5 on 20 counts of felony arson charges.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, 44-year-old David Matthew Neet was arrested in connection with multiple brush fires that began in 2023 and extended into 2024.

KXAN attempted to find an attorney for Neet; however, that information could not be immediately located. This story will be updated if an attorney statement is later provided.

Arson is a state jail felony that is punishable by up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

An initial investigation found the origins of serial arson fires in Alpine, Texas, suspicious, which led to Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement investigators working to determine the cause of the fires.

“As mandated by the 34th Texas Legislature, Texas A&M Forest Service enforces all laws related to the protection of forests and woodlands and prosecutes violators,” the service said.

According to officials, Neet was in jail and held on bonds totaling $300,000 for the 20 counts.