|
Arsonist sentenced to probation |
|
Friday, 19 December 2008 |
MATT NICHOLS
Staff Writer
A Wapakoneta man learned this week he is going to serve five years probation for setting fire to a relative’s mobile home.
Auglaize County Common Pleas Judge Frederick Pepple sentenced Richard W. Kupper, 26, during a hearing Monday in Common Pleas Court.
Kupper faced five years in prison for aggravated arson, a third-degree felony, for setting fire to a mobile home owned by his grandfather.
Kupper was ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution.
On Aug. 2, Kupper and his wife got into an argument at Travel Centers of America on Bellefontaine Street after she asked for a divorce.
Kupper left the truck stop and returned to the mobile home he was living in at 114 Wapak St. and set it on fire, rendering the structure unlivable.
Kupper’s grandfather, Richard P. Kupper, 78, purchased the mobile home for his grandson. At the time of the arson, the grandfather had yet to have the deed transferred into his name from the previous owner.
He also had yet to purchase homeowner’s insurance for the mobile home.
Kupper originally faced a second-degree felony aggravated arson charge, but in a plea agreement that charge was lessened to attempted aggravated arson, a third-degree felony.
During his Aug. 18 arraignment, Kupper pleaded innocent by reason of insanity to the charge.
Following a psychiatric evaluation, Kupper was found competent to stand trial.
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 22 December 2008 )
|
