By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The retired Chehalis logger accused of a starting a fire at the house where his ex-wife and best friend were sleeping is off to prison to serve a 14 month sentence.
James R. Johnson, 65, pleaded guilty yesterday to second-degree arson, second-degree burglary and first-degree malicious mischief, according to Lewis County Deputy Prosecutor Paul Masiello.
Lewis County Superior Court Judge Nelson Hunt also ordered Johnson to pay restitution.
Johnson was arrested in December following an investigation by police into the June 1 fire that heavily damaged the home on the 900 block of B Street in Centralia. Tamara Johnson and Clint Brown escaped without injury.
Investigators subsequently learned an accelerant had been used and there had been animosity between the parties. Authorities said a flashlight found at the scene carried DNA profile that matched Johnson’s.
When Johnson was first charged, his defense attorney said he and his ex-wife had reconciled, but Masiello said he was unable to reach her to talk with her about the sentencing.
After Johnson is released, he will be under the supervision, like probation, of the Department of Corrections for 18 months, Masiello said.
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For background, read “Flashlight at Centralia arson scene incriminates ex-husband” from Friday December 5, 2014, here [1]