Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Porche Latrice Jeffery, 40, was taken into custody on Friday evening following a warrant accusing her of setting a car’s interior on fire in May.

The incident occurred around 6:40 a.m. on May 8, when Jeffery and the victim argued because Jeffery wanted to retrieve her belongings from the victim’s car. The victim reportedly attempted to leave because of Jeffery’s aggressive behavior. However, Jeffery allegedly prevented the vehicle from moving, and the victim decided to return to her apartment to contact 911.

Once the victim left the scene, Jeffery allegedly gained access to the car without permission, retrieved her belongings, and ignited a piece of paper, placing it on the rear passenger seat, which caught fire.

Upon arrival, a Gainesville Police Department officer saw black smoke pouring from the vehicle when the victim opened it. Gainesville Fire Rescue was called to extinguish the fire, and an investigation determined the fire was set intentionally.

Jeffery, who resides at St. Francis House, faces charges of vehicle burglary and arson. Her criminal history includes three felony convictions (one involving violence) and six misdemeanor convictions (non-violent), along with a state prison sentence served concurrently from two cases, from which she was released in 2021. Judge Sheree Lancaster set her bail at $27,000, as recommended by Judge Denise Ferrero in the arrest warrant.

Articles about arrests derive from law enforcement agency reports. Charges listed are from arrest reports and court records, and are accusations only. All suspects remain innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.