Texas volunteer firefighter arrested on felony arson charges

ALPINE A volunteer firefighter and emergency medical services (EMS) crew member in Alpine was arrested July 5 on suspicion of setting multiple brush fires in the area, a Wednesday Texas A&M Forest Service news release said.

David Matthew Neet, 44, of Alpine, was arrested by Brewster County Sheriff’s Officers in connection with multiple wildland fires spanning 2023 – 2024.

An initial Brewster County Sheriff’s Office investigation found the origins of the serial arson fires suspicious, prompting Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement investigators to work with them to further investigate and determine the cause of the fires.

Neet is currently being held on a $300,000 bond at the Brewster County Detention Center on 20 counts of Texas Penal Code 28.02 Arson F2.

As mandated by the 34th Texas Legislature, Texas A&M Forest Service enforces all laws related to the protection of forests and woodlands and prosecutes violators. Arson is a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.

“We investigate wildland arson cases, and work to bring those responsible to justice,” Jarred Lemmon, Assistant Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Texas A&M Forest Service, said in the release. “The success of this case would not have been possible without the work of Brewster County Deputy Holquin.”

Since Jan. 1, 2024, Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement personnel have responded to 70 wildfire investigations and 48 timber theft complaints.