Arson cases: One delayed, one resolved

File Photo Emergency crews were called to a house fire at 12:03 p.m. on Dec. 28 to 209 West Park Street in Spencer. The ensuing investigation led to the arrest of Brenda Heilstedt, who is suspected of intentionally causing the fire.

A Pocahontas man who started a fire in the mental heath wing of Spencer Hospital avoided prison time as part of a plea agreement finalized Tuesday at the Clay County Courthouse in Spencer.

Jared Lee Reinholdt entered a plea of guilty to third-degree arson and Judge Nancy Whittenburg suspended a two-year sentence as part of an agreement reached with prosecutors.

Reinholdt was initially charged with first-degree arson, a Class B felony -- the third-degree arson charge is an aggravated misdemeanor.

A $625 fine was also suspended, but Reinholdt was ordered to pay restitution for the damage he caused at the hospital.

Police took the 32-year-old into custody after a fire broke out, March 19, in room 207, which was on the second floor and at the south end of hospital. Reinholdt was a patient at the time and stepped out of his room moments before one of the nurses noticed smoke and discovered the fire.

Investigators think Reinholdt used a lighter to set two beds on fire but Clay County Attorney Michael Houchins doesn't know how he managed to get a lighter into the secured ward.

"They took him into X-rays and nothing showed up in the X-ray," Houchins said. "Then they found it later on a chair that Jared had been sitting on."

Room 207 received smoke, fire and some water damage.

The seven patients in the wing, along with two patients in the adjoining Intensive Care Unit, were moved to safety on the third floor. No other parts of the hospital had to be evacuated due to a quick response and the hospital's sprinkler system. Most patients were in new beds and asleep less than three hours after the fire was discovered.

As part of Tuesday's plea agreement Reinholdt also was ordered to pay restitution to the Clay County Sheriff's Office for damage he caused at the Clay County Jail.

He was placed in solitary confinement in the early morning hours of April 6 after jailers believe he plugged the shower and stools, then turned on faucets to intentionally cause flooding between jail checks.

As part of his plea of guilty, Reinholdt signed a document saying he did "cause a fire at Spencer Hospital with intent to damage hospital property." He also had to confirm that he understood all of his rights, his legal options and the consequences he faces.

He was committed to the custody of the Director of the Third Judicial District Department of Correctional Services. He will be required to meet conditions of probation by displaying good behavior and remaining employed.

Meanwhile, the trial for a Spencer woman accused of setting fire to her daughter's house has been moved back to July 28.

Whittenburg on Wednesday ordered a delay so attorneys can determine if Brenda Heilstedt is capable of understanding, assisting and participating in her own defense.

The 43-year-old was scheduled to have a psychological evaluation Wednesday, according to court documents. Her trial was scheduled to begin Tuesday.

Heilstedt faces a Class B felony charge of first-degree arson for "starting a fire at 209 West Park Street with her 5-year-old child present," according to a criminal complaint filed Dec. 29 at the Clay County Courthouse.

Firefighters responded to a fire call, just after noon, on Dec. 28. They found smoke and flames coming out of the first-floor, east windows and the south-front window.

Heilstedt's daughter, Ashley Handy, lived at the house. Heilstedt was the owner of her daughter's home at the time of the incident. No one was injured.

"Spencer Police were called to a disturbance there roughly an hour prior to that," Spencer Police Chief Mark Lawson said, at the time. "The disturbance was strictly verbal. The daughter and the boyfriend left and the next time the police were called there was when the fire started."

Heilstedt entered a not-guilty plea on March 2 and waived her right to a speedy trial. She is represented by Spencer attorney Ney McDaniel.

The Clay County Attorney's office has removed itself from the case, citing a conflict of interest. The siding on the neighboring house to the east was damaged and Houchins' firm is representing the neighbor who is seeking compensation for repairs.

The prosecution will be handled by Assistant Iowa Attorney General Charles Thoman.