West News Arizona Man Sentenced for Town House Arson
A Phoenix man has been sentenced to 101/2 years in prison followed by three years probation for setting fire to his rented town house in 2007.
Prosecutors say 55-year-old Robert Stuart Reed endangered the lives of 12 sleeping residents in adjoining homes, including six children.
After the early morning fire on April 28, 2007, authorities say Reed submitted a fraudulent claim to his homeowner's insurance provider claiming the fire was accidental.
In June 2008, Reed was charged with one count of committing arson of an occupied structure, one count of submitting a fraudulent insurance claim and 12 counts of endangerment.
Reed failed to appear for his scheduled trial date in January, was tried in absentia and convicted on all 14 felony counts. He was arrested in Yavapai County in August.
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