HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The 37-year-old man accused for a series of arson fires was back in court Friday where he was arraigned on nine counts of arson. James Farra was before Senior Judge William “Buck” Lyle where he entered “not guilty” pleas.
The fires are alleged to have occurred on two different dates on April 7 and April 23.
Allegedly shoes belonging to Farra matched some of the shoe prints found at two locations where the fire were set. He was arrested and later interviewed by Sheriff Detective Richard Jennings. During that interview, Farra allegedly admitted setting as many as six of the fires.
Allegedly someone saw Farra setting some of the fires and that he gave that person a false name. The fires were all in pastures in the county and in at least nine different locations.
With the arraignment complete, the case will now be placed on trial docket of Judge Trish Rose.