Staff Report
SAN MARCOS — Lawanda Moreno pleaded guilty to arson with intent to damage a habitation, a first-degree felony, and was sentenced by Judge Tracie Wright-Reneau March 17 to 20 years in prison for a structure fire that occurred in a residential neighborhood in Kyle Nov. 4, 2024.
On the same day, Moreno was also convicted of healthcare fraud - $150,000-300,000 (20 years), healthcare fraud - $2,500-$30,000 (two years) and unauthorized insurance business (10 years), with the sentences to be served concurrently.
Although Moreno denied having an insurance policy, investigators discovered that two policies for the residence were purchased seven and five days, respectively, before the fire. Further, while the eviction process was underway, the defendant told her property manager that she was skilled at obtaining free rent and threatened to damage the property if the eviction continued, stated a Hays County news release.
Based on differential fire damage and burn patterns, investigators from the Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire originated inside a cabinet located between two windows in an upstairs bedroom. They concluded that the fire was caused by the intentional introduction of an open flame to readily ignitable materials.
Agencies that participated in the investigation include: Hays County ESD No. 5 Kyle Fire Department; the Kyle Police Department; the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers; the Hays County Sheriff’s Office; the Buda Police Department; the Austin Police Department; the State Fire Marshal’s Office; and the Hays County District Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Hays County Assistant District Attorney Courtney Hansen.
“The Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office extends its sincere appreciation for the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by our personnel and the assisting agencies throughout this investigation,” said Hays County Interim Fire Marshal Aaron Bauer. “The collaboration and coordination among these agencies were instrumental in the successful outcome of this investigation. We remain committed to working together to protect our community and ensure that incidents like this are thoroughly and responsibly addressed.”
