Kennard firefighter sentenced to federal prison for setting forest fires
The Lufkin Daily News
Friday, March 23, 2007
BEAUMONT — A Kennard man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for setting fires in the Davy Crockett National Forest, according to a press release issued Friday by U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Orwig.
Ryan James Eff was found guilty in November 2006 of arson for three fires set in the forest. Federal Judge Ron Clark sentenced Eff to seven years in federal prison for each of the fires. The sentences will run concurrently. Clark also ordered Eff to pay $73,512 in restitution.
According to information presented by prosecutors, Eff was employed as a firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service and assigned to perform firefighter duties in the Davy Crockett National Forest.
Eff was indicted in May 2006 for the three fires. The indictment also noted that Eff was responsible for intentionally setting 23 arson fires in locations in or near the Davy Crockett National Forest from about May 2005 to April 2006. During each of the fires, USFS personnel responded and worked to suppress and extinguish the fires using aircraft and heavy equipment in extremely dangerous conditions.
It is believed that Eff destroyed at least 345 acres of federal lands and 133 acres of privately owned property, according to Orwig. There was no loss of structures or report of injuries as a result of these fires.
Eff resigned his positions with the USFS and as a volunteer firefighter for the Kennard Volunteer Fire Department.
The case was investigated by the USFS and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Malcolm Bales and Lisa Flournoy.
