SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Sacramento County man was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison following convictions for first-degree burglary and arson of an inhabited structure, with three prior felony strike convictions contributing to the lengthy sentence under California’s Three Strikes law.
Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Steve White sentenced Kenneth Allen Hubbs on Oct. 23, after a jury convicted him of the two offenses on Sept. 10, according to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.
White also found that Hubbs had prior strike convictions involving two first-degree burglaries and grand theft of a firearm, making his criminal history a central factor in the sentencing.
The case, People v. Kenneth Allen Hubbs, No. 25FE009653, illustrates how California’s Three Strikes law can result in an indeterminate life sentence when a person convicted of a new felony has multiple qualifying prior convictions.
The convictions stemmed from a March 21, 2025, residential fire on Sherman Island East Levee Road in the Rio Vista area, which caused an estimated $700,000 in property damage.
According to the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, surveillance footage captured an individual breaking through a rear sliding-glass door with a hammer at approximately 1:34 a.m.
Investigators determined that fires had been set in at least three locations inside the residence using roadside flares. The individual left the property approximately two minutes after entering.
Cal Fire’s Office of the State Fire Marshal led the investigation, which ultimately identified Hubbs as the suspect.
According to prosecutors, investigators recovered clothing from Hubbs’ residence that matched the clothing worn by the individual captured on surveillance footage.
Investigators also obtained store surveillance footage showing Hubbs purchasing roadside flares and kerosene two days before the fire, evidence prosecutors used to connect him to the incident.
The District Attorney’s Office reported that evidence presented during the trial established that Hubbs had been hired by a third party to break into the residence and set the fire.
Prosecutors did not identify the third party in their public announcement or explain whether that person had been charged in connection with the incident.
Hubbs was arrested May 14, 2025, after San Joaquin County sheriff’s deputies located him following an automated license plate reader alert. He was taken into custody without incident.
The investigation involved Cal Fire, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies.
Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Chraim of the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Felony Trial Unit prosecuted the case.
The sentencing also brings attention to California’s Three Strikes law, which provides enhanced punishment for individuals convicted of new felonies who have qualifying prior serious or violent felony convictions.
Under California Penal Code Section 667, certain defendants with two or more prior strike convictions may receive indeterminate sentences of 25 years to life, depending on the current offense and the applicable statutory requirements.
Although the law was modified by Proposition 36 in 2012 to generally require a new serious or violent felony for a third-strike life sentence, exceptions and other sentencing provisions remain applicable in certain cases.
In Hubbs’ case, the current convictions included first-degree burglary and arson of an inhabited structure, while the court found three prior strike convictions.
The District Attorney’s Office did not provide a detailed explanation of how the court calculated the 25-years-to-life sentence, including which conviction served as the principal basis for the indeterminate term or whether any additional sentencing enhancements were imposed.
California law also allows defendants to request dismissal of prior strike allegations under People v. Superior Court (Romero), a 1996 California Supreme Court decision recognizing judicial discretion to strike prior felony allegations in furtherance of justice.
When considering such a request, courts examine the nature and circumstances of the current offense, prior convictions and the defendant’s background, character and prospects to determine whether the defendant falls outside the spirit of the Three Strikes sentencing scheme.
The District Attorney’s Office did not indicate whether Hubbs’ defense attorney sought dismissal of any prior strikes or whether White considered such a request before imposing the sentence.
The prosecution’s announcement also did not identify Hubbs’ defense attorney or provide the defense’s position on the sentence.
The available public statements do not establish whether the court ordered restitution for the estimated $700,000 in property damage or whether Hubbs intends to appeal his convictions or sentence.
The District Attorney’s Office confirmed the 25-years-to-life sentence and the three prior strike findings but did not release the sentencing minute order or the court’s detailed explanation of its sentencing decision.
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