Arson Suspects Sentenced for Rabbit Hill Fire
Last Updated on Thursday, 12 November 2009 18:09 Written by Leslie Rubin Thursday, 12 November 2009 17:44
Four of the five people charged in a Bridgeport arson fire from October 2008 receive their sentences in Harrison County Court.
James Gooch, 40, will spend ten years behind bars after pleading guilty to first degree arson.
Gooch hired four people to set fire to a home on Rabbit Hill to get revenge against his ex-wife.
He must also pay nearly $40,000 in restitution to the victims.
Gooch also offered his apologies to the victims before his sentencing. "I hope they can find it in their heart to forgive me," he said.
Allen Hixenbaugh, the man who actually lit the fire, was also sentenced by Judge Jim Matish on Thursday.
Hixenbaugh will also spend ten years behind bars after pleading guilty to first degree arson.
Hixenbaugh told the court he did it for $200 and prescription pills from Gooch.
George McMullen Jr., the man responsible for driving the car to Rabbit Hill to set the fire, will also be spending time behind bars.
Judge Matish sentenced him to one to five years in jail, but will ask that he serve the minimum sentence of one year because McMullen has a sick child.
Tasha Vanscoy was the only one who walked away from Thursday's hearings without jail time.
Vanscoy paid for the gasoline used to set the fire.
Her lawyers had asked for the court to place her on probation, but Judge Matish said that wasn't a sufficient punishment.
Crystal Host is the last person facing charges in the crime. She is set for a plea acceptance and sentencing hearing in December.
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