FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese announced today that the Honorable Judge Tiffany Davis granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release for Dennis Carol, 48, of McHenry, Illinois. Carol appeared in Initial Appearance Court after being charged with the offense of Arson, a class 2 felony, following an investigation into a fire that occurred on April 21, 2026, at a residence in Fox River Grove.

According to evidence presented at the hearing, Carol is alleged to have intentionally started a fire inside the residence. The fire caused significant damage to the home and required an extensive emergency response. Carol, who witnesses described leaving the home just before the fire became visible, was located a short distance from the home. Officers spoke with Carol who indicated he had been using cocaine all day in an attempt to get his heart to stop. An ambulance was requested for Carol, and during his transport to a local hospital, he was combative with paramedics as well as officers assisting them.

At the detention hearing, prosecutors argued that the defendant presents a real and present threat to the safety of the public and that no condition or combination of conditions could adequately mitigate that threat. After considering the facts and circumstances presented, the Court granted the State's petition and ordered the defendant detained pending trial.

State's Attorney Randi Freese praised the swift response of the first responders and the work of investigators who helped bring charges in the case.

"Intentionally setting fire to a home places lives at extraordinary risk and threatens the safety of entire neighborhoods," said State's Attorney Randi L. Freese. "We appreciate the outstanding work of the Fox River Grove Fire Department, the Fox River Grove Police Department, and all assisting agencies whose quick actions helped protect the community and preserve critical evidence. We will continue to seek detention in cases where the alleged conduct demonstrates a clear threat to public safety."

Carol’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 30, 2026, in Courtroom 304.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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