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Church Arsonist Sentenced in Carbon County

Church Arsonist Sentenced in Carbon County - Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 4:56PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 @ 04:56pm EST
JIM THORPE, CARBON COUNTY - A Jim Thorpe man learned his fate Tuesday afternoon for setting fire to a church in Carbon County. It has been nearly two years since flames heavily damaged the Christ Lutheran Church in Penn Forest Township.

Two men were charged with the crime. John Petrovich was the first to face sentencing after pleading guilty to arson and criminal conspiracy charges. A judge sentenced him to between nine and 23 months in jail. He was also ordered to pay nearly $900,000 restitution. Since the 33-year-old has already spent 299 days in jail, he was eligible for parole and was able to walk out of the Carbon County courthouse.

"I think it was fair. The judge took everything into account, especially the level of cooperation from Mr. Petrovich," State Police Fire Marshal David Kulich said.

In November 2006, Petrovich took responsibility for setting fire to the Christ Lutheran Church in Penn Forest Township. The blaze did heavy damage to the building and forced the congregation to rebuild. He claims he was drunk at the time.

"Luckily, the congregation is strong. The congregation is back. The church has been rebuilt and they're have services," Kulich said.

In imposing the sentence, the judge called Petrovich's actions unspeakable. He said Petrovich shook the foundation of the church that he burnt down and even went so far as to "damn" him for what he did.

Even though Petrovich is free, he'll still have to serve five years probation. The restitution money will go to the church and its insurance company.

As he left the courthouse, Petrovich said he planned to pay back the money by "working until I die."

Petrovich's cousin, Andrew Griffith, was also arrested for the church fire. He may never face trial though. He was in a bad accident last year and his competency to stand trial is being challenged.
 


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