WEST CHESTER, Pa. - A former assistant fire chief accused of setting two small fires in an arson-plagued steel town near Philadelphia has worked out a plea bargain freeing him from jail.
Charles Thomas outside of his cousin's house that was, along with his, severely damaged by arson in Coatesville. (Matt Rourke, The Associated Press)
Chester County Judge Anthony Sarcione says the plea deal for Robert Tracey Jr. is a surprise. The 37-year-old Coatesville man got a sentence of the 242 days he has already served to 23 months in prison.
Sarcione says he would never consider such a short sentence Tracey had been convicted at trial. But Sarcione approved the deal Thursday after both sides referred to the risk of going to trial.
Tracey admitted setting fire to a porch seat cushion in March, then trying to ignite a trash can three blocks away.
Tracey is one of seven suspects arrested in connection with a rash of fires in Coatesville and nearby communities that began in February 2008.
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The "risk of going to trial" is the argument for letting this douche bag walk with time served?
No wonder America is "Still Burning".
NO PLEA DEALS in arson cases involving firefighters.
Try them; win or lose.
There should be NO DEAL!!!! That's the problem with our justice system! Criminals (and Yes an arsonist is a CRIMINAL) who are sentenced to jail are allowed to walk out of their sentences before their time is served! This is WRONG!
What about their VICTIMS? they have to continue to live with the result of this CRIMINAL ACTION, sometimes for the rest of their LIVES!
What about the VICTIM'S RIGHTS!!!!! JUDGES ARE TOO LIENIANT TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If the property belonged to a Judge or a member of their family, you better believe the criminal would do the WHOLE sentence and not one possibility of parole!