Two men arrested for arson in Jerome

JEROME, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Two men are facing third-degree arson charges, after allegedly setting a car on fire in Jerome.

According to court documents, Jerome Police responded to a residence on 6th Avenue East to find a vehicle fully engulfed in flames early Tuesday morning. There was also spray paint discovered across both the front and rear passenger side doors.

Firefighters reportedly told police the fire started at the front passenger side tire and burned hot enough to melt the aluminum on the vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently towed to the Jerome County Sheriff’s Office secure parking lot.

The reporting party told police he had recently had issues with 19-year-old Fernando Nava-Simental and his friends.

A Jerome County deputy ended up pulling over Nava-Simental due to a traffic violation and learned that he and the passenger were suspects in the vehicle fire. Deputies arrested Nava-Simental and 20-year-old Jaime Carranza-Raygoza for their alleged roles.

Investigators allegedly found spray paint in the suspect’s vehicle and paint on Carranza-Raygoza’s hands.

Both of the suspects posted surety bonds of $5,000 each.

The maximum penalty for this charge is 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $50,000.

They’re due back in court for a preliminary hearing on February 6 at 9 a.m.

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