Kody Derner has pleaded guilty in Lavaca County to felony vehicle arson and admitted responsibility for six hay bale fires that occurred since 2024. The plea was entered on August 12, 2025.
Derner’s arrest took place in April 2025 by the Hallettsville Police Department. The Lavaca County Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against him in June following an investigation led by the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO). Authorities linked Derner to two vehicle fires and a storage building fire at a hotel in Hallettsville. Investigators used cell phone records and geolocation data as evidence connecting him to these incidents as well as the hay bale fires.
A court sentenced Derner to four years in prison. He is also required to pay more than $24,000 in restitution to victims of the fires. Another arson case involving Derner remains pending in Harris County.
The City of Humble Fire Marshal’s Office and the Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.
According to officials, SFMO operates under the Texas Department of Insurance. Suspected arson can be reported to SFMO at 800-578-4677.
