Benton Man Sentenced to Nine Months in Prison for Arson on Waterville Duplex
Devon J. Pomelow, a 24-year-old man from Benton, has been sentenced to nine months in prison for his involvement in setting a fire at a Waterville duplex. Pomelow was charged with arson and received a 10-year prison sentence, with all but nine months suspended, as well as four years of probation. The fire, which was set by Pomelow and another man, Aaron Pelotte, was intended to cause problems between one of the tenants and Pelotte’s estranged wife, who was involved with the tenant at the time.
Fortunately, an occupant of the duplex noticed the fire and was able to extinguish it using a fire extinguisher until firefighters arrived. Pomelow was also charged with criminal mischief for damaging the tires of a vehicle owned by the same man targeted in the arson attempt. Pelotte, the co-defendant in the case, is scheduled to be sentenced on the same charges next month.
The men were caught on surveillance camera pouring gasoline on the exterior of the duplex and igniting it, causing a large flash fire. If Pomelow complies with the terms of his probation, he will serve nine months in the custody of the state Department of Corrections, but any violation could result in the full 10-year sentence. The residents of the duplex were fortunate that the fire was quickly contained, as it could have escalated and put their lives in danger.
Pomelow’s probation conditions include restrictions on firearms and dangerous weapons, as well as counseling as directed by his probation officer. He was taken into custody in court to begin his sentence, hugging a woman who was with him before being led away by a court officer. The district attorney for Kennebec and Somerset counties commended the quick actions of the occupants in suppressing the fire and preventing a potentially disastrous outcome.
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