Judge sentences man to 19 years for setting his ex-girlfriend's apartment on fire

WASHINGTON — A man will spend nearly two decades behind bars for setting his ex-girlfriend's apartment on fire. 

On Wednesday, a judge sentenced Quenton Jones, 64, to 234 months in prison for threats he made to his ex-girlfriend that led to him setting her apartment on fire. 

According to evidence, on Dec. 28, 2023, Jones threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend, after accusing her of cheating. On Feb. 2, 2023, he called the victim multiple times and left voicemails that were in clear violation of a Stay Away, No Contact Order made against Jones. 

The following day at 3 a.m., Jones went to the victim’s apartment and wrote her name, phone number, and a list of sexual acts on her front door with a black marker. He left but returned a few hours later and set a piece of paper on fire and shoved it under her front door. 

The door caught fire, forcing residents to evacuate the building. Jones was arrested that morning and has been in custody ever since. While in custody, Jones continued to call and write to the victim from D.C. Jail up until right before his trial. 

In making its recommendation, the government argued that Jones showed “little remorse for his actions, which posed a significant risk to the victim’s life.”  The government pointed out not only the psychological damage Jones inflicted on the victim but also the “security risk he poses for the entire community.”