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Guilty plea entered in Horton arson spree case

By Greg Bebermeyer

01/24/2018

Dustin Ryan McCulley

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man accused of setting homes and vehicle ablaze during a crime spree last May in Horton has pleaded guilty to all nine felony counts against him.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 27-year-old Dustin McCulley surprised officials January 18th when he said he wanted to enter the plea after reviewing the evidence against him.

McCulley had originally pleaded not guilty in August and a jury trial had been set to begin next week.

Sentencing has been set for February 23rd.

McCulley was charged with one count of aggravated arson, five counts of arson, one count of felony theft and two counts of burglary.

Authorities say McCulley set two residences on fire early May 9—including one which was occupied at the time it was set ablaze. In addition, police say he set four vehicles on fire, stole a pickup truck and burglarized two other vehicles. No injuries were reported in the fires.

McCulley remains in the Brown County Jail, held on a $250,000 bond.

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