A Lakeview man who previously pleaded guilty to attempting to burn down his trailer last August was sentenced Monday in Logan County Common Pleas Court to community control sanctions.
Adam Lowery, 35, was sentenced to three years of community control for attempting to burn down his place of residence just hours after he’d been served a notice of eviction.
On Friday, Aug. 23 at 8:51 p.m. the Washington Township Police Department, Indian Joint Fire District, Lakeview Fire Department and Indian Lake EMS were dispatched to 8890 Township Road 239; Lot 41, Lakeview in reference to a residential fire. An officer arrived on scene and observed flames showing throughout the north east portion of the home. Firefighters arrived on scene and were able to quickly contain and extinguish the fire.
During the ensuing investigation, it was determined that at 4 p.m. that day, Lowery, 35, was served an eviction notice.
Lowery then told his children that he was going to “burn the house down” and sent his children to his parents home. When the fire broke out, Lowery’s daughter sent a text to a friend stating Lowery set the fire.
The state fire marshall was requested and their investigation revealed that a laundry basket containing clothes was the origin of the fire, which then spread to the walls and ceilings. The fire marshal determination was that the fire was started from a human source and not mechanical such as an electrical cause.
Lowery was interviewed and advised officers that he was disgruntled about the eviction, admitted to making the statement regarding burning the residence down and believed that he accidentally set the laundry basket on fire with a cigarette. He stated he was the only one inside the home at the time.
Lowery was placed under arrested and lodged in the Logan County Jail on a felony charge of arson.
In addition to probation, Lowery is to pay a fine of $3,000, pay all court costs and fees.
If Lowery violates the terms and conditions of his parole the court may impose a prison term of 18 months.
Lowery is credited 14 days of jail time credit as of his hearing date as of Feb. 10.