PALM BAY, Fla. -- The State Attorney's Office will not pursue arson charges against Brian Crowder, who was accused by Palm Bay police of arson in a rash of fires this past spring that destroyed nearly three dozen homes.

Crowder, however, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Thursday for violation of probation, Local 6 News partner Florida Today reported.

In May, the 31-year-old transient was arrested by Palm Bay police on suspicion of setting two small brush fires. He also was considered a suspect in a rash of suspicious fires that burned close to 12,000 acres across the southwestern part of the county. No other arrests have been made.

Crowder has been held in Brevard County Detention Center since mid-May on three counts of intentional and unlawful burning of lands.

Investigators said Crowder offered alibis for his whereabouts, but police said they were able to poke some holes in his story. Police said someone told investiga­tors Crowder had a fascination with fire as a child but was not known to have set any fires.

Crowder was also held on six pro­bation violation warrants. Police described Crowder as a drifter who was staying with friends and working odd jobs. According to Palm Bay police spokeswoman Yvonne Martinez, Crowder's has also faced charges for drugs, grand theft auto, armed burglary, burglary, possession of a firearm by a con­victed felon, petty theft and half a dozen violations of probation.

Assistant State Attorney Gary Beatty, when asked if the Palm Bay arsonist is still at large, said, "I have no idea."

"There was insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution. We have completed our investigation," he said.

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