It took a Carroll Circuit Court jury a little more than an hour last Wednesday afternoon to find Larry Farner, 62, of Delphi, guilty, as charged of one count of arson.

Farner was arrested after allegedly setting fire to a replica canal boat at the Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretive Center Aug. 31.

The jury heard and saw evidence collected at the scene presented by chief fire investigator and Carroll County Sheriff Department Sgt. Dennis Randle. Evidence was also presented by individuals who Farner had contact with the night of the arson.

Court appointed defense attorney Patrick Manahan moved for a directed verdict outside the presence of the jury, according to court documents. However, Judge Donald Currie denied the motion. In the presence of the jury Manahan rested the defendant's case and presented a closing argument.

Farner was in court again Monday for a bench trial to answer charges of being a habitual offender filed by county prosecutor Tricia Thompson for the State. Deputy prosecutor Christine Smith presented the evidence and executed the closing argument.

According to court documents, the charges were based on four convictions of felony operating while intoxicated with a prior conviction between February 1992 and June 1993. He was also convicted of battery with a deadly weapon in Carroll Circuit Court in February 2004.

Smith said Tuesday the court took the habitual offender charge under advisement. A decision in the form of a court order is expected on or before sentencing for the arson conviction scheduled for Jan. 30 at 4 p.m.