Joseph Penfound, 44, a repeat offender, was arrested and charged by St. Thomas Police Service Monday in connection with the arson of a vacant building. The fire caused an estimated $1 million in damages. Penfound is charged with property offences, allegedly destroying part of a heritage block in the city's downtown. The St. Thomas police press release described Penfound as a "prolific offender" and was out on bail at the time of the incident..Penfound's bail had been granted after he committed 13 criminal offences dating back to mid-2024. He was also under a probation order stemming from 14 offenses in 2021. St. Thomas Police Chief Marc Roskamp raised concerns about the current bail system in an official statement following Penfound's arrest: "This individual has spent years involved in the criminal justice system as an adult. This circumstance represents precisely the consistent and pressing concerns over recidivist behaviours and a bail system that impacts community safety."He continued: "The current bail approach continues to allow high-risk individuals to reoffend once released. Repeat offenders are often competent, strategic and should be held fully responsible for their actions.".On the ramifications of the bail system he adds: "Repeat offenders often show targeted behaviours that disregard victims’ rights, leaving communities to suffer the consequences."In a statement on X, Andrew Lawton, the Conservative MP representing St. Thomas, noted the building targeted by the arson dates back to 1881, part of the Acacia Block. He said the owners were "young entrepreneurs who had been putting in a lot of work into renovating and revitalizing the heritage space."Larson went on to assert that this crime should never have occured, adding the offender "should have been behind bars, not out on bail.".He blames "Failed liberal government laws, Bill C-5 and C-75 continue to allow for the catch and release of destructive and violent criminals. These bills have codified the abuse of our bail system, allowing dangerous repeat offenders back on the streets."He added the Conservative members of the House of Commons Justice Committee attempted to discuss the bail crisis last month — but the Liberals "moved to adjourn for the summer after a 16-minute meeting.
