Suspect in CG arson waives right to hearing

Published 9:55 am Friday, July 24, 2009

IRONTON — The Coal Grove woman accused of intentionally burning down the house she rented in the face of possible eviction waived her right to a preliminary hearing Thursday in Ironton Municipal Court.

Jonna Turley, 31, will face a charge of aggravated arson in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court. It is a second-degree felony. Turley could face between 2 to 8 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000 if convicted.

Turley is currently being held in the Lawrence County Jail on a $25,000 cash or surety bond. Her attorney, Mike Davenport asked Judge O. Clark Collins for a reduction in bond, which was denied following objections from the state.

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Turley was arrested on July 7 accused of intentionally setting fire to the Ridgeway Street rental unit she lived in with her roommate and their three children.

Three people, including a Coal Grove firefighter, were injured in the blaze.

After firefighters and police arrived, Turley was found lying in a nearby ditch allegedly under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

She was arrested on the scene for an outstanding warrant and was taken to the Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth for treatment.

The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s office said the fire was set in the living room area of the home. Investigators are not identifying how the fire was started or what types of accelerants were used. Firefighters deemed the home “a total loss.”