St. Thomas, ON – Tuesday July 28th 2026
Joseph Penfound of St. Thomas has been sentenced following the July 6th, 2025 arson that destroyed a vacant building at 616 Talbot Street.
Just after 4 a.m., emergency services responded to multiple reports of a building fire in the 600 block of Talbot Street. The surrounding area was closed while the St. Thomas Fire Department worked to contain the blaze.
The fire caused an estimated $1 million in damage and was determined to be an act of arson.
Through investigation and review of surveillance footage, Penfound was identified and arrested by members of the St. Thomas Police Service approximately five hours after the fire was reported.
Penfound pleaded guilty to Arson – Damage to Property on May 8th, 2026.
On Monday July 27th, 2026, Penfound received a five year sentence.
Chief of Police Marc Roskamp issued the following statement:
“The sentence delivered yesterday reflects the seriousness of this offence and the significant impact it had on our downtown community. Lives were put at risk, a building was destroyed and our community was left to experience the consequences. We appreciate the court’s recognition of the seriousness of this deliberate act and the need to hold repeat offenders accountable for behaviour that threatens public safety.”
He will remain in custody to serve the remainder of his sentence.