Clinton Nathaniel Johnson, Intentionally Setting Wildfires, Louisiana 2026

LEESVILLE, Louisiana – A 37-year-old man from Leesville, Clinton Nathaniel Johnson, has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison and immediately remanded to federal custody for intentionally setting wildfires in the Kisatchie National Forest.

On April 9, 2026, Johnson pleaded guilty to a felony for intentionally setting 19 wildfires in the Kisatchie National Forest between May and July 2025. The fires burned significant portions of the forest, consuming approximately 150 acres, 75 acres, and 35 acres.

Evidence presented in court showed that investigators linked the fires to Johnson through patterns such as distinctive stormproof matches that were recovered at multiple scenes. The matches were also found at Johnson’s residence during a search warrant executed in August 2025.

Johnson admitted to igniting the fires by throwing matches from his vehicle while traveling on roads through the forest. Thanks to the rapid response and coordinated efforts of federal and state fire personnel, all fires were contained without injury or structural damage.

Johnson was ordered to pay $39,094 in restitution for fire response costs and will serve two years of supervised release following his release from federal prison.

The case was investigated by the United States Forest Service, with assistance from the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie prosecuted the case with the help of Paralegal Specialists Denise Duhon and Ginger Green.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The sentencing brings an end to a case that highlights the dangers of intentionally setting wildfires. The consequences of such reckless behavior can be devastating, and it’s fortunate that no injuries or property damage resulted from Johnson’s actions.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana is committed to identifying perpetrators of this crime and holding them accountable.

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