NORMAN — Three individuals were charged with arson Monday, and two were arrested by Norman fire marshals in conjunction with the state fire marshal’s office. The other individual was expected to turn himself in Tuesday.
Timothy Carl Idell, 32, of Noble, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree arson and two counts of third-degree arson. Court documents state that the incidents occurred on or around Aug. 8.
Idell allegedly started a structure fire at a manufactured home at 15010 Post Oak Road in Cleveland County.
The difference between first- and third-degree arson charges is a matter of “occupied and unoccupied” property, Norman Fire Marshal Fred Henderson said.
“First-degree arson is when someone attempted to set something on fire that’s habited. There’s someone living there,” Henderson said. “Third-degree arson is (setting on fire) property like cars, shed buildings and things of that nature.”
For first-degree arson, the penalty is up to $25,000 in fines, up to 35 years in the state penitentiary or both. For third-degree arson, the penalty is up to $10,000 in fines, up to 15 years in the state penitentiary or both.
Henderson said one charge of first-degree arson and two charges of third-degree arson could result in up to $45,000 in fines and up to 65 years in the state penitentiary.
Second arson charge: Marty Lee Wilcox, 41, of Norman, was charged with five counts of third-degree arson. Wilcox allegedly set wild land fires Sept. 21 at Lake Thunderbird near Indian Point Road and Alameda Drive.
The affidavit stated there were five distinct and separate fire origins within the identified area between 120th Street and Indian Point.
The document also stated that no electrical or mechanical machinery was within the area of the fire origins and no inclement weather occurred prior to or during the time of the reported fires.
According to a Norman Fire Department press release, Wilcox was expected to turn himself into authorities Tuesday. As of late Tuesday afternoon, there was no record of Wilcox in custody, according to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.
Third arson charge: Kimberly Lynn Gowens, 38, of Noble, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree arson. Gowens allegedly started fires in Walmart’s westside restroom on July 7 and the eastside restroom on Aug. 1. Both incidents occurred at the Walmart at 601 12th Ave. NE.
Jessica Bruha366-3540jbruha@normantranscript.com
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