Employee was fighting forest fire

Contact: Diana Olszowy 502-564-4496

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 30, 2008) – As part of a plea bargain, Todd Anderson, of Burkesville, has pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal mischief and second-degree assault in Cumberland County Circuit Court for striking a Kentucky Division of Forestry ranger fighting a wildfire on his property.  Anderson was sentenced five and eight years respectively, to be served concurrently.

On Nov. 27, 2006, Forest Ranger Kenneth Brown was dispatched to a fire on Sulphur Creek Road near Burkesville in Cumberland County.  When he attempted to put out the fire, property owner Anderson refused to let Brown control the blaze.  Anderson ordered Brown off the property, then struck him with a metal pipe.  Anderson also broke a window and damaged a door on Brown’s state-owned truck. 

Brown left the property and called for law enforcement assistance.  Cumberland County sheriff’s officers originally arrested Anderson on charges of third-degree assault and interfering with a forest warden.  In addition, the division issued a citation against Anderson for failing to take reasonable care and precaution to prevent the escape or spread of a fire.

“We are glad Mr. Brown has recovered fully from the injuries, and we feel the sentence handed down reflects the seriousness of the attack,” said Leah MacSwords, Division of Forestry director.