Arson investigation lands father, son in jail

A father and son from Orland face charges of arson and vehicle theft after they reportedly burned down two farm structures and knocked down several gates and fences with a stolen tractor during an alcohol-fueled off-roading excursion in December, authorities reported.

Jeffery Michael Nelson, 59, and Trevor Lee Nelson, 26, remain in custody at the Glenn County Jail on charges of arson of an inhabited structure, causing a structure fire on forest land, vandalism and vehicle theft. Trevor Nelson faces an additional vandalism charge, as well as two misdemeanor probation violation counts for a previous wet and reckless conviction, according to a statement from the Glenn County Sheriff's Office.

The pair were arrested this week at their home in the 3000 block of County Road D, the Sheriff's Office said.

The arrests are the first credited to the Glenn County Arson and Bomb Task Force since the unit was formed two years ago, Willows Fire Chief Wayne Peabody said Friday.

Both structure fires, a renovated barn and travel trainer, were discovered Dec. 19 on the Whyler Ranch on County Road 200A and had reportedly been burning since Dec. 17, the Sheriff's Office reported.

"Both buildings were still burning when (investigators) arrived on scene," Lt. Richard Warren said Friday.

The Nelsons were identified as suspects early in the investigation, Warren said, because Jeffery Nelson's wallet was found near the scene. Two arrested

Both men also had been seen driving a tractor Dec. 17, investigators said.

Warren said both men claimed they were consuming alcohol while "off-roading" in a standard, two-wheel drive sedan and became stuck in the mud.

"They claimed in the statements that they lit the (travel trailer on fire) to try to signal for help," Warren said.

Investigators said the Nelsons claimed they did not notice several propane tanks near the trailer until after the fire was burning.

"They became afraid of an explosion and moved to the barn," Sheriff Larry Jones said in a statement.

Both men reportedly told investigators they started a second fire to stay warm, about 100 yards from the trailer, but said wind whipped up embers, blowing them into the hay barn, the sheriff's office said.

"The ranch tractor was then discovered and the Nelsons were able to start the tractor using a screw driver," Jones stated.

Jones said the tractor's front end loader was used to knock down several gates and fences and driven out of the Grizzly Flats area.

It is not clear if they were attempting to find help or to drive back to the City of Orland, Warren said.

Total damage estimates were put at $111,500, Warrens said.

Both men appeared in Glenn County Superior Court on Thursday, but did not enter a plea. They are set to appear for further arraignment Tuesday. Both men remain in custody at the Glenn County Jail in lieu of $230,000 bail.