Editor’s note: A story in the December 6 edition inaccurately reported that Barr was convicted for arson in connection with a bridge fire on a local recreation trail. The Times regrets the error.
MONROE — An Illinois man was sentenced to six months in jail for setting a fire at his workplace in Brodhead.
In Green County Circuit Court, Ronald L. Barr, 63, of Dakota, pleaded no contest — and guilty pleas were entered — to a count of felony arson and one count of criminal damage to property.
On the felony arson count, he was given four years’ probation on a suspended sentence. The jail term of 60 days was his sentence for misdemeanor criminal damage to property and can be served with Huber work privileges.
The defendant also was given permission to go to Illinois for his job. A restitution hearing also was scheduled.
The fires were started near a trash compactor at Stoughton Trailers in Brodhead. After an initial fire was reported, the company allegedly put up surveillance camera that documented the defendant using a lighter to set the trash compactor on fire.
Damage was minimal and no one was injured. The plant was shut down for 2 to 3 hours following the fires, according to court records.
A restitution hearing for Barr is scheduled for December 22 in circuit court.
