MILFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Two former Shelton volunteer firefighters have been sentenced to nine months in prison for setting a house on fire.
Superior Court Judge Patrick Carroll Wednesday sentenced Charles Eye, 21, and Jonathan Belanger, 19, to 10 years in prison, suspended after nine months served, and five years' probation.
Conditions of the men's probation include that they pay restitution totaling more than $38,000 to the owner of the home for his out-of-pocket expenses, and perform community service at Habitat for Humanity. An estimated $175,000 in damage was done to the home in the May 2004 fire.
Charges are still pending against a third co-defendant, Andrew Evans, who was 17 at the time of his arrest.
State's Attorney Mary Galvin said the crime was a serious one because it put many people in danger. Worse, she said, all three men were trained firefighters.
Police said the three volunteer firefighters said they started the fire so they could be first on the scene.
