After being previously delayed due to discussions about restitution amounts, the two former Crofton firefighters were sentenced in Christian Circuit Court Friday.
Former Chief Jeremy Marlar and Assistant Chief Glen McGee were recently found guilty in a jury trial of arson in relation to a building being intentionally burned down in August of 2017 in Crofton. No one was injured in the fire that multiple fire departments responded to.
Attorneys for both men requested that the 10 year sentences recommended by the jury be probated, with McGee’s attorney, Michael Thompson, saying that the crime wasn’t a violent offense and calling into question the plea deal offered to co-defendant Dylan Hodge. Hodge is on probation and must pay $10,000 in restitution to the victims.
McGee himself spoke, saying he’s learned his lesson.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Maggie Gigandet argued that the victims feel differently—that it was a violent crime that lost them many sentimental items of personal property.
Defense attorney Rick Boling represents Marlar and also requested probation, but in the end Circuit Judge John Atkins followed the jury’s recommendation and sentenced them both to 10 years in prison.
The two must also jointly pay $100,000 in restitution to the victims. Marlar was also found guilty of first-degree official misconduct. McGee was additionally found guilty of third-degree burglary and official misconduct.
Dakota Oglesby is the only remaining defendant in this case, whose case was severed from the others due to health issues with his attorney.
