CFO Jimmy Patronis Announces Arrest of Alleged Jacksonville Arsonist
7/13/2021
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Julien Claflin after allegedly setting fire to a Jacksonville home.
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Arson is a dangerous crime, and this case is alarming as the home was occupied at the time of the incident. If you choose to commit arson, you will be found out and held responsible. I applaud the dedication of my arson detectives for investigating this matter fully and helping bring the alleged arsonist to justice.”
On July 9, 2021, the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services’ Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations (DIFS BFAEI) detectives responded to a fire affecting a single room inside a mobile home at 11016 Merrywood Drive in Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to BFAEI arrival, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office informed arson detectives that they located a suspect near the residence. Following questioning, the suspect admitted that he intentionally set the fire by obtaining tiki-torch fuel from a shed, pouring it onto the carpet, and setting it on fire. At the time of the fire, the home was occupied by two juveniles.
Julien Claflin was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Duval County Jail. He was charged arson and aggravated child neglect. If convicted, he faces up to 50 years in prison.
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Arson is a dangerous crime, and this case is alarming as the home was occupied at the time of the incident. If you choose to commit arson, you will be found out and held responsible. I applaud the dedication of my arson detectives for investigating this matter fully and helping bring the alleged arsonist to justice.”
On July 9, 2021, the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services’ Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations (DIFS BFAEI) detectives responded to a fire affecting a single room inside a mobile home at 11016 Merrywood Drive in Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to BFAEI arrival, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office informed arson detectives that they located a suspect near the residence. Following questioning, the suspect admitted that he intentionally set the fire by obtaining tiki-torch fuel from a shed, pouring it onto the carpet, and setting it on fire. At the time of the fire, the home was occupied by two juveniles.
Julien Claflin was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Duval County Jail. He was charged arson and aggravated child neglect. If convicted, he faces up to 50 years in prison.
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About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).