Washington County man pleads guilty to arson in California Manor fire
A California man will head to jail for 3 to 6 years after pleading guilty to setting fire to California Manor in 2024.
Christopher Demetrious Grasty, 40, pleaded guilty to one charge of arson at the Washington County Courthouse on Tuesday, according to District Attorney Jason Walsh.
Grasty was facing more than 50 charges, including two dozen felony counts of arson and misdemeanors of reckless endangerment. According to Walsh, the additional charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement.
Grasty entered the plea before Washington County Common Pleas Judge Traci McDonald.
On March 1, 2024, Grasty started the fire in his fourth floor apartment at the Washington County Housing Authority-owned complex. California Manor is located at 243 Second St. and contains 30 units.
The fire caused $750,000 in damage, and 29 residents were displaced as a result. Walsh said his office discussed the plea agreement with the victims of the fire.
“Everything was discussed, everything was agreed to,” Walsh said.
As of press time, Grasty’s defense attorney did not return a call for comment.