A Budd Lake New Jersey man reportedly admitted to authorities that he started a fire in his apartment.
According to authorities, the 34-year-old suspect pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated arson stemming from the fire in May 2014. The arson incident occurred at the suspect’s residence in Eagle Rock Village, an apartment complex in Budd Lake, NJ. Budd Lake is an unincorporated community within Mount Olive, New Jersey.
Authorities looked into the fire and eventually determined that it was likely a result of arson.
The suspect allegedly set fire to his apartment hoping that it would lead to a larger fire. The suspect reportedly placed a candle under a chair before opening valves to a couple of propane canisters.
Although other people were in adjoining apartments at the time, no one was injured as a result of the fire. Thankfully, firefighters were able to arrive on the scene quickly and put out the blaze before it went beyond the suspect’s apartment.
The suspect was later arrested and charged with second degree aggravated arson.
Now the suspect has reportedly pleaded guilty to the arson charges.
As a result of the suspect’s guilty plea, he is set to face severe penalties when he is formally sentenced. Morris County prosecutors are expected to recommend a sentence of 5 years in NJ State Prison. Additionally, the plea deal calls for the suspect to serve a minimum of 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for release on parole.
For further information about this case, check out the NJ.com article entitled “Budd Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Arson, Report Says.”