Arson Threat Nets Five Years’ Probation
A troubled Montecito jeweler was sentenced this week to five years’ probation after he pleaded guilty to multiple counts stemming from an incident last summer when he threatened to blow up his house using acetylene gas. David Tallman, 67, was later thought to be attempting suicide when he called police at about 3 a.m. on July 7, prompting 18-20 law enforcement officials to respond and nearby residents to evacuate to a nearby church parking lot. Tallman was released from custody this week and was required to undergo a mental health evaluation. He is now in a sober home.
Follow-up investigations revealed that Tallman had consumed a lot of vodka on the night of the incident after reportedly being sober for 20 years. He called 9-1-1 and threatened to use the tanks he made jewelry with because he was angry with two Sheriff’s deputies who had preformed a welfare check on him two weeks prior. He was also enraged because he was he was being evicted from his house.
Tallman was charged with multiple felony accounts including arson, criminal threats, and resisting a peace officer. If he violates his probation, he could serve up to 10 year and four months in prison. He must register as an arsonist for life.
