Arsonist Pleads Guilty Mid-Trial

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Major Crimes Unit obtained a conviction against a defendant who set fire to a residence.  Gregory Joseph Dies, 39, was convicted of Aggravated Arson.  Judge Scott Green sentenced Dies to fifteen years in prison without the possibility of parole.

Assistant District Attorneys Joanie Stewart and Nate Ogle explained to the jury that on June 26, 2020, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and Rural Metro Fire Department responded to a structure fire in Halls.  At the residence, first responders saw a fire on the front porch and a burning gas container in the driveway.  Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, which had damaged the vinyl siding, eaves, and area around the front door.  KCSO Inv. Aaron Allen spoke to the victim who stated that he saw Dies pouring gasoline on the front porch.  Dies started swearing and told the victim that he was going to burn the house down.  The victim went inside to call 911 when he heard the sound of the gasoline igniting and saw flames on the front porch.  Dies was transported by AMR ambulance to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for burn treatment.

On December 6, 2021, trial in this case began in Criminal Court Division III.  After a jury had been selected and prosecutors started presenting evidence, Dies asked to change his plea to guilty-as-charged.  Dies was sentenced to serve fifteen years in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.