Newcomerstown man sent to prison for setting his house on fire
NEW PHILADELPHIA ― A 37-year-old Newcomerstown man has been sentenced to two to three years in prison for setting his own house on fire two years ago.
Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Judge Elizabeth Lehigh Thomakos sentenced Lance A. Barrington on Wednesday for aggravated arson.
"He put many others, including first responders, at risk," said Fred Scott, assistant county prosecutor. "I suppose you could say that any arson is like this. But there was gasoline involved. There were accelerants involved. There were explosions."
The judge said Barrington's home was severely damaged.
More:Deputies shoot man who aims semi-automatic shotgun at them
"It's no less serious when it's your own home because there are still people put at risk," Thomakos said. "There were properties nearby. There were first responders present, and your own self as well, at risk."
The judge said the defendant went back into the burning house for his phone, but did not call for help.
The fire occurred Sept. 20, 2020 at 234 E. Main St. in Newcomerstown.
Barrington was found guilty in a two-day jury trial that ended July 20. He originally pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but was restored to competency during treatment at Heartland Behavioral Health in Massillon.
More:Newcomerstown-area man indicted on charges of arson and domestic violence
Scott said he had a "great fear" that Barrington could be a danger to the public if his mental illness is not treated. He said the defendant refused to participate in treatment after being restored to competency.
Barrington's treatment at Heartland included the administration of medicine without his consent.
"Lance does well when he's taking his medication and being treated," said defense attorney Bradley Harp of Wooster. "He does not do well when he's not."
He said his client is not taking his medication. He said Barrington did well on pretrial release, made all required court appearances and was able to find a residence himself after losing his home. He said his client is a veteran who receives veteran's benefits and Social Security disability payments. Harp asked for probation instead of prison for Barrington. He said Barrington would probably not take his medicine in prison.
Barrington does not have a criminal record as an adult or juvenile. Thomakos said he admitted to starting consumption of alcohol at age 15 and use of marijuana at age 27. He reported dramatic effects from marijuana use, resulting in trouble or hospitalization. The judge said he suffers from major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder and other conditions. She said he had shown no genuine remorse for the crime he committed.
As a convicted arsonist, Barrington is required to register his address with the local sheriff for the rest of his life. He declined to sign a form in court Wednesday notifying him about the requirement. Thomakos told him he is still obliged to register even though he did not sign the document.
Thomakos gave Barrington credit for 501 days he already spent in the county jail and at Heartland.
Given the chance to speak on his own behalf at sentencing, Barrington said he did not want to say anything because of the risk of sounding schizophrenic. He said there might be a classified document left in his home if it had not been removed by the trash company.
Barrington has the right to appeal his conviction.
Reach Nancy at 330-364-8402 or nancy.molnar@timesreporter.com.
On Twitter: @nmolnarTR
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Judge sentences Lance A. Barrington on Wednesday for aggravated arson
