Kody Derner pleaded guilty on August 12, 2025, in Lavaca County to one count of felony vehicle arson. He also admitted to starting six hay bale fires dating back to 2024.
Derner was arrested by the Hallettsville Police Department in April 2025. The Lavaca County Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against him in June. The arrest followed an investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) into two vehicle fires and a storage building fire at a hotel in Hallettsville. Authorities used analysis of Derner’s cell phone and geolocation data as evidence linking him to these incidents and other hay bale fires.
A judge sentenced Derner to four years in prison. He is also required to pay more than $24,000 in restitution to the victims of the fires. There is another arson case pending against Derner in Harris County.
The City of Humble Fire Marshal’s Office and the Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.
The SFMO operates under the Texas Department of Insurance. Reports of suspected arson can be made to SFMO at 800-578-4677.
