Man accused of setting series of fires in small Arizona town

An alleged arsonist has been arrested in connection to a series of fires in a rural Arizona town.

The Apache County Sheriff's Office says 24-year-old Joaquine Jeremia Martinez was arrested on Feb. 7 in Mesa in connection to a series of fires that were set in Vernon, a small town about 19 miles east of Show Low, since last December.

"Through evidence at the fire scenes, these fires were determined to be arson," the sheriff's office said.

Martinez was extradited to Apache County and booked into jail. He is accused of arson, misconduct involving weapons, criminal damage and burglary.

"The case against Joaquine Martinez has been submitted to the Apache County Attorney’s Office for review and subsequent charges," the sheriff's office said.

The sheriff's office is asking anyone with information on the fires to contact them at 928-337-4321.

Joaquine Martinez Vernon Arson Arrest

Joaquine Martinez

Map of Vernon