Pa. Woman Gets 3 Years In Western Md. Arson Spree
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- A Pennsylvania woman who drove an arsonist to several western Maryland locations to set fires last spring has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Three others were sentenced Thursday to two-week jail terms for their roles in a rash of fires that did more than $400,000 worth of damage to vehicles and buildings.
Brandy Sneider-Koontz, 19, of Mercersburg, Pa., was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree arson and one conspiracy count, The (Hagerstown) Herald-Mail reported. She also must make restitution of more than $37,000.
Her sentence was the stiffest handed down so far to any of the eight young adults charged in the case. Prosecutors say Sneider-Koontz drove around a carful of friends, including 21-year-old Tyler Murray of Williamsport, while Murray set fire to three vehicles, a mailbox and a trash can. His driver's license had been suspended.
Murray faces sentencing Jan. 17 for 13 counts of second-degree arson and three counts of malicious destruction of property. In a plea deal Dec. 3, he acknowledged setting fire to eight vehicles, four barns and a garage. Prosecutors are recommending a 15-year sentence.
Sentenced Thursday were Olivia Hannah, 20, of Frederick; Jacob Hess, 18, of Clear Spring; and Sarah Mathews, 20, of Adamstown.
Three more defendants are awaiting trial.
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