Jefferson County Deputies Arrest New Mexico Man Accused of Intentionally Starting Brush Fire Along Highway 74

Description: Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies arrested a 25-year-old New Mexico man accused of intentionally setting a brush fire along Highway 74 near mile marker 16. Quick action by witnesses, deputies, and firefighters prevented the wildfire from spreading. The suspect faces felony and trespassing charges and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Suspect Arrested in Connection with Intentional Brush Fire Along Highway 74

At about 4:46 p.m. on June 29, 2026, Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a man intentionally setting fire to brush near mile marker 16 on State Highway 74.

Multiple witnesses called 911 after observing a man standing over a fire on the south side of the highway. Deputies located an active brush fire in a ravine south of the highway. Deputies quickly located a suspect matching the witnesses' description and detained him without incident.

One deputy used a fire extinguisher to slow the spread of the flames until fire personnel arrived and fully extinguished the fire. During the investigation, deputies recovered a lighter near the fire's origin.

The suspect was identified as Royce Ben Jameson, 25, of New Mexico. He was arrested on suspicion of the offense of Firing Woods or Prairie, 18-13-109 (2) (a), an F6, and Third Degree Criminal Trespass, 18-4-504, a petty offense. The quick reporting by community members and the rapid response by deputies and fire personnel helped prevent the fire from spreading further. 

Jameson is being held at the Jefferson County Detention Center on a $5,000 cash or surety bond.

The charges are merely legal allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent of the charges against them unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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