Special Prosecutor Assigned in Trenton Arson Case Against Tommy Fry

A special prosecutor has been appointed to lead the arson case involving a July 2025 fire that damaged several commercial buildings in downtown Trenton, KTTN 92.3 FM & KGOZ 101.7 FM | Trenton & North Missouri News reported.

The appointment of Jane Dunn follows the removal of Brian Keedy, whom the court determined had retired or was otherwise unable to continue prosecuting the case through its conclusion. This change in leadership comes as the legal proceedings against Tommy James Fry, a man from Fort Pierce, Florida, face scheduling shifts.

The court has canceled previously scheduled proceedings, including a pretrial conference set for Dec. 1 and a jury trial that was slated for Dec. 17 and 18. Instead, the case has been continued to Jan. 5 for scheduling or disposition, with Fry and his legal team permitted to participate in that hearing virtually.

The felony charge of first-degree arson stems from an incident on July 1, 2025, that impacted the downtown business district. According to the indictment, Fry allegedly started a fire that damaged adjoining commercial properties located at 905, 907, and 909 Main St. in Trenton.

The stakes of the prosecution extend beyond property damage. The indictment alleges that individuals were in the vicinity when the blaze occurred, which exposed those bystanders to the risk of death or serious physical injury.

This case has already undergone a procedural change prior to the appointment of the special prosecutor. In April, the proceedings were moved from Grundy County to Linn County following a change of venue.

The delay in the trial creates a period of uncertainty for the local business community and the property owners of the affected Main Street buildings. While the transition to a special prosecutor ensures the case moves toward a conclusion, the shift to a January date pushes the resolution of this high-stakes felony into the new year.

The next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 5.

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