LOUISA, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – A Louisa man has admitted to starting a fire and recklessly damaging someone else’s property in Louisa Circuit Court on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

James Grant League, Sr., 46, had been charged with leaving a fire unattended and careless damage to property by fire. He was convicted on September 24, 2024. He appealed the conviction and asked for a new trial but ultimately decided to plead guilty.

On March 20, 2024, a state of emergency was declared due to a large wildfire that burned approximately 450 acres. Residents were left with the task of rebuilding what was lost, including those in the Twin Oaks community, who lost half of their total property.

“While the convictions carry minimum fines, we are glad the Court ordered Mr. League to pay the fire suppression costs that would have otherwise been borne by the taxpayers,” said Louisa Commonwealth’s Attorney Rusty McGuire. “His actions were reckless, dangerous, and caused subtantial damage to his neighbors.” 

Judge Timothy K. Sanner ordered League to pay $51,219.75 in fire suppression costs by August 18, 2025.