SOMERSET, KY - Sheriff Bobby Jones is reporting the arrest of a Somerset man on December 5, 2023 for Arson in the First Degree and Rape in the First Degree.
The arrest is stemming from an investigation into a sexual assault that occurred in the summer, followed by the intentional burning of the victim’s residence on Monday, December 4, 2023.
At approximately 2:30 A.M. on December 4, Pulaski deputies were dispatched to a structure fire on Beasley Lane. It was later determined that at the time of the arson, which occurred in a duplex, the resident of the adjacent residential unit was home.
Hours later, Deputy Logan Crabtree was dispatched to the same area to serve an emergency protective order on Justin Daniels, 34, of Somerset. The victim of the residence also informed deputies that Daniels had set her home ablaze.
Detective Jay Picard with the sheriff’s office’s Criminal Investigation Division then interviewed the victim, who told him that Daniels had threatened to burn her home down the day prior to the fire.
Additionally, the victim reported that Daniels had raped her on a previous occasion in August of 2023.
Justin Lee Daniels was arrested at the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office during the course of the investigation.
Justin Daniels was charged with:
- ARSON, 1ST DEGREE
- RAPE, 1ST DEGREE - DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
This individual was lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center where he is currently held on a $250,000 bond.
Photo of the accused is courtesy of the Pulaski County Detention Center.
Det. Picard continues to head the investigation for the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Bobby Jones asks if you have any information about any crime to contact our tip line at 606-679-8477. You can also leave a tip on our webpage at PulaskiSheriff.com.
You can remain anonymous by texting PCSOTIP to 847411, or by using our mobile app on both Google Play and the App Store.
