Lebanon woman charged with arson after trailer fire

On Jan. 8, at approximately 3:30 a.m., the Wright County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Grovespring, to a call for service regarding a camper that was on fire in close proximity to an occupied residence.
An attempt had previously been made to set the same camper on fire and a suspect had been identified during that incident.
During the second fire, Deputy Kinser responded to the scene.
Through Deputy Kinser’s quick response and situational awareness, he observed the suspected individual near the scene of the fire.
Leah Sotello, 54, of Lebanon, was detained for further investigation. Interim Wright County Sheriff Akers arrived on scene shortly thereafter.
During a probable cause search, Interim Sheriff Akers and Deputy Kinser located items consistent with arson on Sotello’s person and in her vehicle.
Methamphetamine was also discovered during the search.
Sotello was arrested by Deputy Kinser for arson in the first degree, property damage in the first degree, and possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine.
Sotello is currently being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond with conditions. Interim Sheriff Akers noted that Deputy Kinser’s quick thinking, attentiveness and professionalism were instrumental in identifying the suspect, preventing further danger to the occupied residence, and bringing the incident to a safe resolution.