| For Immediate Release Case # 10CF0426
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Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami
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TRANSIENT SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS AND FOUR MONTHS IN PRISON FOR ARSON OF
FIVE DUMPSTER IN SANTA ANA
SANTA ANA – A transient was convicted and sentenced today to six years and four months in state prison for setting five fires on three occasions in dumpsters located behind a Santa Ana retailer and fast food chain. Tommy Wayne Burke, 42, pleaded guilty to a court offer to five felony counts of arson of another’s property and admitted a 1990 prior strike conviction for second degree robbery. In addition to his prison sentence, Burke is required to register as an arsonist with his local fire department upon release from state prison.
At approximately 11:00 p.m. on Feb. 11, 2010, Burke set two fires in dumpsters located behind a Ross store on South Bristol Street in Santa Ana. One week later, on Feb. 18, 2010, Burke returned to the same location at the same time and again set two fires in dumpsters behind the store. The defendant fled the scene in both instances. These arsons were captured by video surveillance.
At approximately 1:20 a.m. on Feb. 23, 2010, Burke set a fire in a dumpster behind a KFC fast food restaurant. Responding officers from the Santa Ana Police Department observed and arrested the defendant walking away from the scene. At the time of his arrest, Burke was in possession of a lighter.
Deputy District Attorney Andrew Katz of the Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted this case.
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