A blaze at Burkesville City Hall finally has a suspect—Nathan Riddle faces federal arson charges that could put him away for 20 years.

ICYMI: Four Years Later, Kentucky Man Indicted for Arson at Burkesville City Hall

A mysterious blaze at Burkesville City Hall finally has a suspect—Nathan Riddle faces federal arson charges that could put him away for 20 years. 🌐 #News #WarrenCountyKY #Kentucky #Crime

WARREN COUNTY, KY – It’s been nearly four years since a fire broke out at Burkesville City Hall, and now, federal authorities say they have the man responsible. Nathan Riddle, 47, has been indicted on arson charges, leaving the small western Kentucky community hopeful for long-awaited justice.

The Morning of the Fire

Just before 6 a.m. on October 25, 2020, firefighters in Burkesville responded to a blaze at city hall. The fire mainly affected the east end of the building, but responders managed to remove most of the records before the flames spread further.

With city hall temporarily unusable, officials relocated operations to the nearby Veteran’s Memorial Community Center. Despite the fire’s disruption, essential city functions continued in the alternate location until repairs were complete.

Details of the Indictment

A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned an indictment on October 9, 2024, charging Riddle with:

  • Arson of a building receiving federal funds.
  • Arson affecting interstate commerce.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky announced the indictment on October 23. These charges underscore the seriousness of the offense, given that federal funds were involved and the fire impacted operations that crossed state lines.

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Long Investigation Yields Results

The case involved meticulous investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Kentucky State Police. Although it took years to identify and indict a suspect, the agencies remained committed to uncovering the truth behind the fire.

What’s Next for Nathan Riddle?

If convicted, Riddle could face a federal prison sentence ranging from five to twenty years. The severity of the sentence reflects the gravity of the arson and the potential risks posed to public safety.

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Community Impact and Looking Ahead

For Burkesville residents, the fire was more than just a disruption to city operations—it was a blow to the heart of the town. Many hope the indictment will bring closure to the lingering mystery. As the legal process moves forward, locals remain eager for justice and some sense of finality.

Riddle’s trial is expected to provide more answers about what led to the fire and the extent of his involvement. Until then, the town watches closely, waiting for the day they can fully put the incident behind them.

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