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Show - - r Arson Charges Filed Against Panguitch Man As a result of charges stemming from an early morning fire in Panguitch on January 28, Panguitch resident Paul Butler, general manager of In-termountain Drilling Company, was bound over for trial on arson charges following a preliminary hearing. Butler has been charged with suspicion of aggravated arson, a second degree felony in violation of section 76-6-103 of the Utah Code Annotated. Judge Wayne Holman, Panguitch City Justice of the Peace, found probable cause that a violation had been committed and that the defendant was a possible perpetrator of the act. Arraignment proceedings were set for March S. The charge of aggravated arson carries a fine of up to $10,00 and a possible Jail term of from one to 15 years. At the outset of the preliminary hearing, a request was made by the defendant to have potential witnesses and spectators cleared from the courtroom. Some eight to ten persons in attendance rose and left the room at the request of Judge Holman. Following last month's fire, investigations had been conducted by Panguitch City Police Chief Howard Gilmore and representatives of the State Fire Marshall's office. The preliminary hearing lasted approximately two hours at which Gilmore presented evidence for the state with Russell Mahan as prosecutor and Scott Thorley, public defender, representing Butler. |
