KY man’s DUI dismissed after evidence lost in fire. Now, he’s accused of arson for it

A man has been charged with starting a fire in a Kentucky city hall that destroyed evidence in a criminal case against him.

A federal grand jury indicted Nathan Riddle on two charges of damaging the Burkesville City Hall by fire in 2020.

The fire destroyed the building, which held the mayor’s office, the city clerk’s office, the city council meeting room and the police department, including a room to store evidence.

Riddle, 47, had been arrested on Oct. 12, 2020, on charges of trafficking in methamphetamine, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while impaired by drugs after a Burkesville police officer pulled him over.

A grand jury indicted him for that traffic stop on Oct. 22, 2020.

The fire that burned city hall, including the police department evidence room, happened three days later.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Jesse Stockton said he ultimately dismissed the DUI charge because the fire at city hall destroyed blood-alcohol evidence against Riddle.

The other charges are still pending, Stockton said.

Riddle was indicted in federal court on Oct. 9 but the indictment was initially sealed.

Riddle had his initial court appearance Oct. 18 and faces a hearing this week to determine whether he will be detained pending trial.

The arson charges are punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison.

The city of Burkesville later acquired another building to house city offices.