RICHLAND PARISH: A volunteer firefighter faces 22 arson counts after state investigators accused him of setting fires across Richland Parish and then responding to them with his department.
Bradley Antley, 41, of Mangham, was arrested November 9, the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal said in a November 10 release. He faces one count of aggravated arson and 21 counts of simple arson in connection with fires dating to August.
The inquiry began November 5, when the Richland Parish Sheriff's Office requested state assistance. Investigators examined a tractor shed that burned November 4 and determined the fire had been deliberately set, according to the release.
The agency said its investigation identified Antley as a suspect and linked him to the series of fires. State investigators worked with parish deputies during the investigation and arrest.
The investigation remained ongoing in the November 10 announcement. The release did not provide a bond amount, court date or response from Antley.
The charges are allegations, not findings of guilt. Antley is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.