19-03-2025
Man convicted after threatening girlfriend, burning front lawn with gas can: DA
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man has been found guilty of felony arson by a Kern County jury after he lit his girlfriend's front lawn on fire while intoxicated, according to the District Attorney's office.
Jacob Burton was charged with felony arson, felony attempted criminal threats (lesser included offenses to the charged counts of criminal threats), misdemeanor vandalism and misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol.
The District Attorney said in July 2024, Burton was drinking alcohol when he saw messages on his girlfriend's phone that left him upset. This triggered Burton to visit a downtown bar and continue drinking.
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Before he left, items were damaged in the home and he threatened to strangle his girlfriend, according to the District Attorney's office.
Burton began calling his girlfriend's phone and her friends, who were also at the house, threatening to burn the house down, throw Molotov cocktails and drive his truck through the side of the home.
Burton later showed up with a gas can and lit a fire in the front yard of the victim's house, which was quickly extinguished, according to the District Attorney's office.
He was taken to Kern Medical Center where staff determined his blood alcohol concentration was 0.161%.
Burton faces up to 3 years, 8 months in prison.
Sentencing is set for April 15, in Kern County Superior Court.
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