Executive Summary
- Kurtis Ryan Couch entered an Alford plea to a second-degree arson charge in Le Sueur County.
- Prosecutors presented evidence including accelerant traces on basement stairs and 134 exhibits.
- Investigation revealed Couch took photos of basement contents before the July 2021 fire.
- Sentencing has been scheduled for May 12 following the plea entry.
LE CENTER, Minn. – A Waterville man has entered an Alford plea in connection with a 2021 arson investigation in Le Sueur County, formally acknowledging that the state possesses sufficient evidence to secure a conviction while maintaining his innocence.
According to the Le Sueur County Attorney’s Office, Kurtis Ryan Couch entered the plea regarding a charge of second-degree arson. An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain their claim of innocence while admitting that the evidence presented by the prosecution would likely result in a guilty verdict if the case proceeded to trial. Officials noted that Couch acknowledged the weight of the evidence against him, which reportedly consists of 134 exhibits.
The charge stems from a fire reported on July 18, 2021. Prosecutors state that the investigation determined an accelerant was used on the basement stairs to ignite the blaze. Additionally, investigators allege that Couch had photographed the contents of the basement prior to the start of the fire.
Legal Ramifications
The entry of the Alford plea moves the case to the sentencing phase, which the court has scheduled for May 12. This type of plea is significant in judicial proceedings as it resolves the charges based on the strength of the forensic and circumstantial evidence, such as the accelerant and digital photos, without a direct confession. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, a principle that underscores the burden of proof required in all criminal prosecutions.
