Sunday, July 26, 2026

Sex offender and fire bug extraordinaire

Child molester to learn fate for setting one of California’s largest wildfires


The man behind one of California’s most destructive wildfires was convicted Friday nearly two years after the blaze burned more than 400,000 acres.

Ronnie Stout, of Chico, was found guilty of malicious arson charges in connection with the 2024 Park Fire, the state’s fourth-largest on record. 

The conviction also includes enhancements for causing multiple structures to burn and for a third strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.

Ronnie Dean Stout II arrested for intentionally causing the Park Fire. Butte County District Attorney's Office

His first and second strikes stem from a child molestation conviction in Butte County in 2001 and a theft conviction from Kern County in 2002.

The 44-year-old Stout, who faces 25 years to life in state prison, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 9.


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