Arson, fraud charges filed in Live Oak blaze

A Live Oak man who allegedly tried to collect insurance by burning his own house - setting off an explosion and mangling his hand - is facing arson and fraud charges.

Juan Jose Luna, 29, is scheduled to be arraigned July 23 in Sutter County Superior Court.

The explosion in the early morning hours of June 12 sent glass flying 90 feet from Luna’s house in the 2900 block of Elm Street.

Fire officials said at the time that the house had recently been remodeled.

Luna was found about two blocks from the burning house with two fingers hanging by strips of flesh and others broken, Live Oak Fire Capt. Dan Yager said.

Luna, who ended up losing at least one of his fingers, has refused to talk to investigators, said Sutter County Undersheriff J. Paul Parker.

Luna was arrested June 22, booked into Sutter County Jail and released after posting $100,000 bail.

“Some type of accelerant” was being used but exploded instead of burned when ignited, said Parker.

The blast dislodged the walls of the home, which was totally destroyed by the fire. Firefighters did not enter the remains of the house for hours, not knowing if there would be further explosions.

No one besides Luna was injured.

Under California law, a person is not guilty of arson of his own property unless he intends to defraud or another person is injured.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Rob Young can be reached at 749-4710. You may e-mail him at ryoung@appealdemocrat.com.