Day convicted on two counts of Arson in Middleport fire case

Keith Day, seated center, changed his plea to guilty of two counts of Arson. His counsel, Karen Justice, is seated next to him along with Doug Francis, foreground. Photo by Carrie Gloeckner.

POMEROY, Ohio – A change of plea has been made in the Middleport fire case.

Keith R. Day, 32, of Middleport, Ohio was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Arson, a felony of the first degree, for the May 16, 2016 fire in Middleport. The fire claimed two buildings. Day changed his plea to guilty in the Meigs County Court of Common Pleas, April 10, 2017.

Day appeared with his counsel, Karen Justice and Doug Francis before Judge I. Carson Crow. Day pleaded guilty to two amended charges of Arson, each a felony of the fourth degree.

Judge Crow asked Day, “Are you in fact guilty of these charges?” Day responded, “Yes, sir.”

Judge Crow then accepted the guilty plea on both charges and Day was convicted of Arson on both counts. Day will be sentenced on May 8, 2017 in the Meigs County Court of Common Pleas.

The proposed agreement could mean Day would serve 36 months in prison, register with the Arson Registry, subject to post release control and pay restitution totaling $352,747.99. Judge Crow, however, does not have to accept the plea agreement for sentencing.

The Meigs County Prosecutor’s Office issued the following statement after Day’s conviction: “Meigs County Prosecuting Attorney James K. Stanley was assisted by Special Prosecuting Attorney Paul L. Scarsella of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Office. Both Stanley and Scarsella—who has years of experience handling arson cases as Special Assistant Attorney General—worked diligently to ensure that the interests of justice were served in this case. Property owners affected by the fire were advised of the plea offer last week, and each agreed with the proposed resolution. The agreement reached between the State and the defendant requires the defendant to serve the maximum sentence for each count, which is eighteen months, for a total sentence of thirty-six months. Additionally, the defendant must pay restitution to the victims and register on the arson registry.

On May 16, 2016, a fire in downtown Middleport damaged multiple buildings, including two that were completely destroyed. Stanley thanks the firefighters from multiple area fire departments who responded. Without their heroic efforts, additional buildings could have been damaged or destroyed. Stanley also thanks officers from the Middleport Police Department and investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office for their actions on scene and subsequent investigation. Additionally, Stanley thanks Special Prosecuting Attorney Scarsella for his assistance and expertise on this case.”

The devastating fire required seven fire departments to battle the blaze.

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