Charles Valarian Smith, Sr., 24, of New Town, North Dakota, lit a fuse that nearly turned tragedy into catastrophe when he doused a residence in gasoline and set it ablaze in the early hours of June 25, 2017. The fire erupted on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, where multiple occupants — including children — were sleeping inside. Smith’s act of arson could have been fatal, but for the quick actions of a passerby who spotted the flames and used a fire extinguisher to knock down the blaze before it consumed the structure.
Despite the narrow escape from loss of life, the home sustained significant damage. Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set using an accelerant — specifically gasoline — applied near the side of the residence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that the attack occurred within federal jurisdiction, triggering a federal prosecution under arson statutes. Smith later admitted to law enforcement that he had engaged in a physical altercation with the homeowner the day before the fire.
Fueled by alcohol and rage, Smith claimed he initially only meant to torch garbage near the house. But evidence and his own statements painted a different picture — one of deliberate escalation. The use of gasoline, the timing under cover of darkness, and the proximity to a dwelling with known occupants turned a reckless act into a federal crime with severe consequences.
On February 15, 2018, Chief United States District Judge Daniel L. Hovland handed down justice: three years and eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Smith, Sr., of New Town, ND, stood silent in court as the sentence was read, having already pleaded guilty to one count of arson. No injuries were reported, but prosecutors emphasized the potential for mass casualties given the number of people inside at the time.
The Three Affiliated Tribes Police Department led the investigation, working in tandem with federal authorities to build the case. Their swift response preserved evidence and secured a confession. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan O’Konek prosecuted, calling the act a dangerous outburst with life-or-death implications.
The case stands as a stark reminder: on tribal lands, arson isn’t just a local fire call — it’s a federal offense when lives hang in the balance. Charles Valarian Smith, Sr., now has years behind bars to reflect on the night he chose fire over reason — and nearly paid the ultimate price for it.
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Key Facts
- State: North Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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