Martin gets probation for stealing, burning car

A man who torched his girlfriend’s car, which in turn set off a blaze which burned down a nearby house, was granted probation.

The defendant, Rex Martin, 40, was given a three-year probationary sentence, to be served on the community corrections program, and must attend outpatient rehab and keep employment in return for his plea on the charge of arson by setting fire to personal property.

The incident happened in 2006 when Martin became angry at his girlfriend. According to Sheriff’s Captain Tommy Myers, Martin got his girlfriend’s keys and took her car, driving it into a tree near his home.

Lawmen believe Martin later came back and set the wrecked car on fire, watching it burn from atop his farm equipment while he did chores in a nearby field. Investigators doubt the nearby home which caught fire, which was caused by the burning car, was intended.