Suspect Charged with Aggravated Arson in Knoxville Following Dispute Over Unpaid Money
Knoxville, TN – Authorities in Knoxville have arrested Diego Julio Pedro, charging him with aggravated arson following an investigation into a suspicious fire. The incident appears to stem from a financial disagreement, with court documents revealing that the suspect admitted to setting the fire because he believed he was owed money.
According to the Knoxville Police Department, officers arrived at the scene to find active flames. During the subsequent interrogation, Pedro reportedly confessed to the act, citing the outstanding debt as his primary motivation. Under Tennessee law, aggravated arson is a Class A felony, a designation reserved for fires that foreseeably endanger human life or result in serious bodily injury. If convicted, the charge carries significant mandatory prison time.
While the arrest has drawn attention on social media regarding the suspect’s immigration status, official proceedings are currently focused on the criminal arson charges. Local law enforcement often coordinates with federal agencies in cases involving foreign nationals, though specific details regarding an ICE detainer or immigration hold have yet to be fully adjudicated in court.
It is important to note that an arrest represents an accusation, and Diego Julio Pedro is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. While the suspect allegedly claimed the arson was a form of retribution for a debt, legal experts note that financial disputes do not provide a justification for arson under state statutes. Pedro is currently being held as the investigation continues and a court date is pending.
