KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A Knox County jury has convicted a man of arson after prosecutors said he broke into his wife’s home and intentionally set multiple fires while under court orders to stay away from her.
Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen announced that Roderick Jermaine McAlpin, 43, was convicted following a two-day trial on charges of arson, vandalism over $60,000, and aggravated criminal trespass.
According to prosecutors, McAlpin had previously been ordered to have no contact with his wife following a domestic assault case. Despite that order, prosecutors said McAlpin entered her home on July 7, 2025, while she was away.
During the trial, assistant district attorneys presented evidence showing McAlpin crawled through a bedroom window to gain access to the residence. Once inside, prosecutors said he intentionally set four separate fires in three different bedrooms of the home.
The Knoxville Fire Department responded to the scene and successfully extinguished the blaze before it could spread further. However, investigators determined the fire caused extensive damage.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, arson investigators estimated the fire resulted in approximately $137,000 in property damage.
Following the presentation of evidence, a Knox County jury found McAlpin guilty on all charges.
McAlpin is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14. Prosecutors said he faces a potential prison sentence ranging from 12 to 20 years.
The case was prosecuted by the Knox County District Attorney General’s Office.
