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Man Gets 4 Years For Burning Down CVS During Riots; Must Pay $500K

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Hard time in prison. The sentence is in for one of the first suspects to face justice for starting the arson fires during the April riots.

Amy Yensi with more on the punishment for Raymon Carter.

The world was watching as looters and smoke spilled out of the CVS on Penn and North avenues. On Tuesday, a judge sentenced Raymon Carter to four years in prison for intentionally setting that fire.

ATF officials tell WJZ the 24-year-old and father of two caused $1 million in damages.

The image of the burning pharmacy was emblazoned in the minds of many--a symbol of the April riots following Freddie Gray's death.

Carter was caught on surveillance cameras starting the fires.

In September, he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of rioting to avoid the stiffer penalties of arson as part of a plea deal.

Carter was also ordered to pay back $500,000 in restitution and will serve three years probation.

Carter's family, his attorney, the ATF and U.S. attorney declined to comment on the sentencing.

Carter did address the courtroom, apologizing for his actions and saying he looks forward to re-starting his life with his family once he gets out of prison.

He will also take part in a substance abuse rehabilitation program.

Carter has the right to appeal the restitution amount. His payments will begin 60 days after he's released from prison.

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