Mar 9, 2005 By Patty Yauger 2 min read

The increase in the number of arson related fires within the county has prompted a local lawmaker to introduce legislation that would require those convicted of the crime to spend a minimum amount of time in jail. State Sen. Richard A. Kasunic, D-Fayette, said Tuesday that the proposed legislation would require no less than a five-year prison term be imposed on those that have set fire to an occupied structure and a two-year minimum sentence on those that have intentionally set fire to an unoccupied building.

“Arson is a dangerous and deadly crime,” said Kasunic. “My bill would send a strong message guaranteeing prison time for those who deliberately set fire to buildings.”

At the present time, said Kasunic, juries or judges can impose lengthier sentences for the felony offenses, but there is no law requiring a minimum jail stay.

“This bill would keep convicted arsonists from strolling out of courtrooms with overly lenient sentences,” he said.

In 2004, Fayette County ranked fourth among the state’s 67 counties with 101 arson-related fires, according to the state’s Uniform Crime Reports.

The hardest hit communities include Uniontown, Connellsville and Masontown.

Arsonists have targeted 27 buildings and facilities in Connellsville over the past 18 months with investigators lodging charges against one adult and two teenagers in two of the cases.

Police Chief Stephen Cooper said he supports Kasunic’s legislation.

“Arson is a very difficult crime to investigate,” he said.

“It takes countless hours, manpower and resources to develop a case and it would be beneficial to know that those that are convicted will be required to spend a considerable time in jail for committing the crime.”

Cooper added that he would propose additional legislation be introduced to earmark funding for departments that are overextending their workforce and financial resources because of the lengthy arson-related investigations.

Kasunic, meanwhile, said should the legislation not deter would-be arsonists, a recourse would be available to those imposing jail sentences.

“At the very least, (those convicted of the crime) won’t be ravaging our community with fires while they are sitting in jail,” he said.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is currently reviewing the legislation.