An ex-con who set a mobile home ablaze in Homeland was sentenced Thursday to eight years in state prison.
Justin Duane Tompkins, 25, pleaded guilty last month to arson, presenting false identification to a law enforcement officer and a sentence-enhancing allegation of using a pyrotechnic device in the commission of arson. In exchange for his admissions, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office dropped a related enhancement.
Superior Court Judge Emma Smith certified the terms of the plea agreement and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense.
According to Cal Fire, Tompkins lit a fire inside a single-wide trailer in the 32000 block of Falcon View Lane, near Seaview Drive, on the morning of March 26.
The ensuing blaze consumed most of the structure. The cause was immediately identified as arson.
Cal Fire investigators said they obtained evidence at the scene that pointed to Tompkins, an area transient, as the perpetrator. He was located and detained following a brief confrontation with the investigators.
A possible motive for why he ignited the fire was not disclosed.
According to court records, the defendant has prior convictions for brandishing a deadly weapon, burglary and possession of controlled substances.