Dayton Man Faces Arson, Burglary Charges

DAYTON – What started out as a response to a call for a possible burglary in progress on Feb. 9, led Columbia County Sheriff's deputies to much more.

Dayton resident Joseph (Joey) Richter, 31, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including first degree arson, for the fire that destroyed a house on 615 E. Washington on the morning of Feb. 8.

Sheriff's Office reports say deputies responded to a burglary call in the 200 block of E. Spring Street to find Richter hiding in a carport and attempting to flee the scene at about 9 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 9.

Following his arrest and during questioning, Richter eventually admitted to taking items from the home that night, but also to breaking in to the same home previously, and stealing guns to sell, as well as other items. He also said he had "burned down" the house on E. Washington Street, according to deputy reports.

Richter allegedly said he set the house on fire because it was "evil" and "everyone wanted the house burned down." He said he brought flammable items, including a propane tank, from the shed into the house and attempted to set them on fire. He described making several attempts to light the items before they finally ignited and the house caught fire.

Richter was already wanted on a warrant for charges stemming from an incident in September. Richter previously plead not guilty to those charges which include violation of uniform controlled substance act – possession of methamphetamine, a Class C felony; one count of violation of uniform controlled substance act – use of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor; two counts of criminal trespass in the second degree, a misdemeanor; one count of contempt of court, a misdemeanor; one count of criminal trespass in the first degree, a gross misdemeanor; and one count of reckless burning in the second degree, a gross misdemeanor.

Charges filed last week include first degree arson and first degree burglary, both Class A felonies, residential burglary, a Class B felony, theft of a motor vehicle, a Class C felony, and third degree theft, a gross misdemeanor.

Richter is in custody in the Columbia County Jail with bail set at $100,000 surety bond. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday.