A Budd Lake NJ man reportedly admitted to starting a small fire in his apartment.
According to prosecutors in the case, the 34-year-old suspect pleaded guilty to aggravated arson charges for starting the fire in May 2014. The incident occurred at the suspect’s residence in Eagle Rock Village, which is located in Budd Lake, New Jersey. Budd Lake is an unincorporated community within Mount Olive, NJ.
Authorities investigated the fire and determined that it was probably a result of arson.
The suspect reportedly set fire to his apartment in the hopes that it would lead to a much larger fire. The suspect allegedly placed a candle under a chair in the apartment, then opened valves to some propane canisters.
Although there were other individuals in adjoining apartments, no one was injured as a result of the arson attempt.
Thankfully, firefighters were able to put out the fire before it spread outside of the suspect’s apartment.
The suspect was later placed under arrest and charged with second degree aggravated arson.
Now the suspect has pleaded guilty in the case.
As a result of the guilty plea, the suspect will face severe penalties. It is expected that Morris County prosecutors will recommend a sentence of 5 years in New Jersey State Prison. Under the terms of the plea deal, the suspect will have to serve at least 85 percent of the sentence before he is eligible for release on parole.
For more information about this case, view the NJ.com article entitled “Budd Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Arson, Report Says.”