OCALA, Fla. – A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an arson fire that destroyed a home earlier this month, according to the Ocala Police Department.
Police said Joseph Jomall Antonio Hester was taken into custody in connection with the July 3 fire at a residence in the 2000 block of Southwest 4th Street.
Officers responded to the scene at approximately 6:30 a.m. and found the home fully engulfed in flames. Ocala Fire Rescue extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported. Authorities said the residence was unoccupied at the time.
Investigators determined the fire had been intentionally set after reviewing witness statements, surveillance video and threatening text messages that were allegedly sent to the homeowner shortly before the fire.
A State Fire Investigator officially classified the incident as arson.
According to police, Hester had previously been involved in multiple disturbances and property damage incidents at the residence before the fire.
Hester was arrested and charged with arson by Ocala Police Detective Zaino.
The Ocala Police Department credited investigators, fire personnel and community members for their assistance in solving the case.
Anyone with additional information or who observes suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the Ocala Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Marion County.