Probation granted in arson case

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint woman imprisoned for arson was released on probation on Tuesday, 1st District Court records show.

Disaree Ann Huntley was charged with first-degree arson in connection with a fire at her apartment in the 1500 block of Pine Street on April 1.

She was accused of using a plumber’s torch to set fire to a dress and carpeting inside the dwelling.

Huntley, 27, told Sandpoint Police that she accidentally caused the fire when she dropped the torch while lighting a cigarette, but later admitted to setting fire to the dress. Burn patterns in the carpet were also consistent with the tip of the torch being held against it, according to a probable cause affidavit.

In a plea agreement with the prosecution, Huntley entered an Alford plea to a reduced charge of third-degree arson and admitted violating the terms of her probation in a felony no-contact order violation case.

Huntley was ordered to serve up to two years in prison, although she was placed in the Idaho Department of Correction’s retained jurisdiction program, also known as a rider. When jurisdiction is retained, a defendant serves up to a year in prison before a decision is made to further incarcerate them or place them on probation.

Huntley was sentenced in May and a jurisdictional review hearing was held on Tuesday. Judge Barbara Buchanan placed Huntley on probation for two years.

Huntley’s defense counsel said the incident was the result of emotional anguish and an undiagnosed mental health issue, court records indicate.