St. Cloud Man Convicted in Arson Trial

ST. CLOUD -- A St. Cloud man has been convicted of first degree-arson after he set fire to the home of his ex-girlfriend.

Thirty-nine year-old Desmond Jones was accused of setting a home on fire in the 100 block of 33rd Avenue North last June. A witness told police they saw Jones run from the scene. One neighbor put out the flames with a garden hose while another neighbor called 911.

Jones was also linked to buying a small amount of gas at a nearby gas station shortly before the incident and then leaving on foot in the direction of the woman's residence.

He was arrested and brought back to jail just days after he was released pending sentencing on a conviction of felony fleeing police and gross misdemeanor DWI.

Jones will be sentenced on the arson charge February 5th.