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Arsonists get prison time in Maryland
Associated Press
Published December 6, 2005
GREENBELT, Md. - The leader of an arson rampage that destroyed or damaged dozens of homes being built outside Washington was sentenced Monday to nearly 20 years behind bars. Two others were also sent to prison.
Patrick Walsh, 22, was sentenced to the maximum 19 years and seven months for conspiracy and for the Dec. 6, 2004, rampage at the well-to-do Hunters Brooke development. No one was injured. Aaron Speed, 22, received eight years and four months, and Jeremy Parady, 21, got seven years and three months. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit arson.
The case had strong racial overtones: All five men arrested are white, the neighborhood was mostly black, and at least one defendant told investigators the fires were racially motivated.
But federal prosecutors did not file hate crime charges. Two other men are scheduled to go on trial next year.
[Last modified December 6, 2005, 02:15:34]
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