WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Hogge Sentenced for Windsor Arson
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White River Junction, Vermont - May 7, 2009
A Windsor man was sentenced Thursday for setting his own apartment on fire in an attempt to take his own life.
Gary Hogge pleaded no contest to first-degree arson and reckless endangerment for a fire that left 17 people homeless. Hogge was also charged with assaulting a corrections officer after being arrested. That played a factor in the judge's decision to sentence Hogge to serve two to ten years.
Several people spoke on Hogge's behalf at the sentencing, including victims like Belinda Daniels who were displaced by the fire.
"I think he has done enough time for what has happened because like everyone was saying in there, that is not Gary. He is a very kind person. He was not in his right mind when it happened and I truly believe he did not mean to hurt any of us," Daniels said.
Hogge has been in jail since the fire in December of 2007. With credit for time already served, he will be eligible for furlough in September.
Adam Sullivan - WCAX News
