State Attorney John F. Durrett announces that Howard Keith Stutts, having been found guilty by a jury of Arson II on July 15, 2024 in Dixie County, was sentenced to 7 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.
The defendant in this case, was proven to have set fire to the victim’s pickup truck with the intent to destroy his belongings. The defendant denied any involvement with the truck fire but after an investigation by the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office and the Dixie County Fire Department, it was clear the defendant had committed an act of arson by pouring gas on the hood and inside of the vehicle. The defendant used a lighter to start the fire and a subsequent small explosion set not only the truck on fire, but also burned the defendant in the process.
The State of Florida was represented by Assistant State Attorney Jarrett Thomas.
The Honorable Mark Feagle conducted the sentencing.
