Serial Arsonist Sentenced To Jail For Setting 9 Area Fires

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — A serial arsonist was sentenced Friday for setting a series of nine fires in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

According to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, Steven Taylor Rutherford, 49, of Banning was ordered to spend 45 years in state prison.

"Serial arsonists like Mr. Rutherford present a continual danger and threat to everyone in the Inland Empire region," Riverside County District Attorney Paul Zellerbach said.

Rutherford was arrested June 28, 2013, after a lengthy investigation by California fire arson investigators.

He was convicted of intentionally starting nine fires from Sept. 6, 2011, to June 28, 2013, which in total caused damage to about 670 acres.

Officials said Rutherford's most recent fire was set in San Bernardino County, which burned about 534 acres and damaged four properties, including two homes.

"This sentence ensures that he will spend the rest of his life in prison and will no longer be a threat," said Zellerbach.

Authorities said he was connected to the series of fires through surveillance cameras and GPS trackers that were placed on his vehicle by law enforcement.

Rutherford was initially charged with 13 counts of arson, however, three of the counts were dismissed as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, according to the District Attorney's Office.

On July 31, he pleaded guilty to 10 felony counts of arson.

According to the District Attorney's Office, the total loss in the nine arson fires is estimated to be $1.16 million.