Former volunteer firefighter indicted on arson charge in Washington County
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Texas — Ronald Perry, 49, of Brenham, was indicted by a Washington County grand jury Oct. 14 on a second-degree felony arson charge. Perry, a former Rocky Creek Volunteer Fire Department firefighter, is currently being held on a $100,000 bond at the Washington County Jail.
An initial Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigation found suspicious wildland fires south of Lake Somerville in 2020, prompting Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement to investigate.
Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement led a task force investigating the fires, working alongside the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Central Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force.
“We investigate wildland arson cases and work to bring those responsible to justice,” said Jarred Lemmon, Texas A&M Forest Service assistant chief law enforcement officer.
Perry was arrested Aug. 12, 2026, in Washington County on suspicion of allegedly setting numerous fires in the area between 2020 and 2026.
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. In fiscal year 2026, Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement personnel responded to 369 wildfire investigations and 80 timber theft complaints, recovering nearly $100,000.
A second-degree felony is punishable by up to 20 years and no less than two years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. An indictment issued by a grand jury is formally charging someone of a crime; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty being a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
To report suspected wildfire arson, call the Texas Arson Hotline at 1-800-364-3470.