(Bedford, Iowa) – A Kellerton man who was found guilty in Taylor County on numerous charges, was sentenced today (Tuesday) to two consecutive 25 year prison terms. Ellis Earl Houk, who was 69-years-old when he was found guilty on Aug. 3rd, 2023, was additionally sentenced to three 10 year sentences on the other three charges. The 25 year sentences will require Houk to spend a mandatory 35 years in custody without the chance for parole.

Houk was convicted on charges of arson in the 1st degree, attempt to commit murder, willful injury – causing serious injury, burglary in the 1st degree and criminal mischief in the first degree. The charges stem from an incident that occurred Nov. 22, 2022. On that date, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a house fire located at 1871 Orange Avenue, Bedford. The female occupant exited the home and was treated by Taylor County EMS prior to being airlifted to a burn center for treatment of serious injuries. Sheriff’s Deputies began an investigation into the origin of the fire, which led to the belief that it was arson.

Taylor County Sheriff’s officials want to thank numerous agencies for their cooperation in solving and bringing the case against Houk to its ultimate conclusion.  Those agencies include: the Taylor County Attorney’s Office; Iowa DCI crime lab; Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office; Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hartley County Sheriff’s Office in Texas, for their assistance in the investigation, apprehension and conviction of Houk.