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Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 7:32 AM

Yerington man charged with arson in Fernley church fire

Yerington man charged with arson in Fernley church fire
Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

A Yerington man has been arrested and charged with arson after a fire last week at the Fernley Free Methodist Church and the Fernley Crisis Pregnancy Center.

North Lyon County Fire Protection District Chief Scott Huntley said the fire at 100 West Street was first reported to the Lyon County Sheriff’s office on Sept. 27. Huntley said it was reported as a “warming fire”.

Photo courtesy of LCSO
Justin Carter of Yerington was arrested on an arson charge after a fire at the Fernley Free Methodist Church and Crisis Pregnancy Center.


Huntley said a resident notified him about the fire on Sept. 29, and he determined it to be arson, and based on the location of the fire, he contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Nevada State Fire Marshal.

Huntley said during his investigation he questioned several people in the area, and he found paper and other materials used to start the fire.

“There was minimal damage to the structure, just some charring and some evidence at the scene used to light the fire,” Huntley said. “Having the materials still at the scene assisted us.”

Huntley contacted the sheriff’s office, and they arrested Justin Carter, 34, of Yerington on charges of arson in the first degree and an additional charge of failure to register as a sex offender.

Carter is being held in the Lyon County Jail on $50,000 bail.

Lyon County Sheriff’s Office administration director Michael Carlson said sheriff’s office is still investigating the incident and will release no additional information at this time.

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C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion.Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AMComment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-rampComment author: Alan ReederComment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS!Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: Jack & Nancy CookComment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS.Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: JeffDickersonComment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied.Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AMComment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion caseComment author: Todd fossumComment text: Hi my name is todd fossum i'm clarence's stepson, I was wondering if he had any siblings. I think he said he had a sister that just survived cancer. If she can get ahold of me or any buddy, my number is 916. 3 4 3 1 1 7 7.Thank you have a blessed dayComment publication date: 1/16/26, 4:33 PMComment source: Clarence L Shields C Comment author: Carl HagenComment text: So just curious, what is the point of a franchise agreement if it is not exclusive?Comment publication date: 12/15/25, 4:18 PMComment source: Council approves non-exclusive franchise agreement for waste collection
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