by | Published
SAN MARCOS, Texas — A woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to intentionally setting a residential fire in Kyle and committing multiple fraud-related offenses, officials said.
Lawanda Moreno pleaded guilty to arson with intent to damage a habitation, a first-degree felony, and was sentenced by Judge Tracie Wright-Reneau on March 17, 2026, for a fire that occurred on Nov. 4, 2024.
On the same day, Moreno was also convicted of healthcare fraud involving $150,000 to $300,000, healthcare fraud involving $2,500 to $30,000, and unauthorized insurance business. She received sentences of 20 years, two years, and 10 years respectively, all to be served concurrently.
Investigators determined Moreno had obtained two insurance policies on the residence just days before the fire—one seven days prior and another five days prior—despite initially denying having coverage.
Authorities also found that Moreno had been in the process of eviction and had told her property manager she knew how to obtain free rent, allegedly threatening to damage the property if the eviction continued.
Investigators with the Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire originated inside a cabinet between two windows in an upstairs bedroom. Based on burn patterns and damage analysis, officials concluded the fire was intentionally set using an open flame and readily ignitable materials.
Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Kyle Fire Department, Kyle Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Buda Police Department, Austin Police Department, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Hays County District Attorney’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Hays County Assistant District Attorney Courtney Hansen.
