BEDFORD, Va. – The man accused of setting the old Bedford Middle School on fire in January 2020 has pleaded guilty.
This comes after Daniel Flint was charged with two felony charges of arson and burglary in connection to the incident that happened on Jan. 23, 2020.
In February of that year, Flint was arrested after someone submitted a tip that they recognized the back of his head in a surveillance image that was captured as he was riding his bike away from the scene. Officials said he admitted the crime to his mother, which led her to tell parole and probation officers what happened, stating that she believed her son was dangerous.
Officials say he is a former student at the school.
On Friday, Flint’s attorney asked the court to consider Flint’s autism diagnosis in both his plea and sentencing.
A recent law passed by Virginia’s General Assembly allows mental health to be considered when it comes to pleas and sentencing.
Bedford Commonwealth Attorney Wes Nance says he does not support the request because of Flint’s criminal background.
“We anticipate requesting a conviction and appropriate sentence. I know that the court will take the autism diagnosis into consideration, as the court should. But Mr. Flint has already been before Judge Updike on very serious matters,” said Nance.
Below is video footage of the school building on the day of the fire:
At this time, Flint’s sentence is scheduled for March 1 at 1:30 p.m.
10 News has covered this case extensively since the first happened. Below are our previous stories, from newest to oldest:
- Man facing felony charges for Bedford Middle School fire to enter plea agreement (Published April 2, 2021)
- Man accused of setting Bedford Middle School fire waives right to preliminary hearing (Published March 8, 2021)
- Man accused of Bedford Middle School fire competent to stand trial (Published Dec. 2, 2020)
- Old Bedford Middle School developer looking to rezone property after auditorium cannot be saved (Published May 18, 2020)
- Former student charged in connection with fire at old Bedford Middle School (Published Feb. 19, 2020)
- Authorities continue to get tips on old Bedford Middle School fire (Published Feb. 13, 2020)
- Police release pictures of suspect in Old Bedford Middle School fire investigation (Published Jan. 23, 2020)
