Rural Iowa City man facing arson charge

Hunter
10/30/24

A rural Iowa City man who pleaded guilty earlier this month to calling in a threat to the Johnson County courthouse over the summer has now been charged with arson.

43-year-old Kenneth Davis was allegedly seen on surveillance footage behind DC’s Bar on South Dubuque Street at around 10:30 Monday night. He reportedly pulled out a lighter, set an air conditioning unit on fire, and walked away.

There were people inside and outside the bar at the time of the incident.

Davis was apprehended, and allegedly admitted to setting the fire after being read his Miranda rights.  The air conditioning unit suffered heavy damage and determined to be un-repairable. Cost to replace the unit was estimated at approximately $6000.

Davis was charged with 1st degree Arson and 2nd degree Criminal Mischief.

Earlier in the night, Davis was on the 100 block of South Linn Street and allegedly tried to get into a parked car. When unsuccessful, he reportedly broke the driver’s side mirror. He was charged with 4th degree Criminal Mischief.

If convicted on all the charges against him from both incidents, Davis could be sentenced to up to 31 years in prison.