Appearing virtually from a correctional facility on Tuesday, a Huntsville man pleaded guilty to burning down a home in which he was a former tenant.
In Bracebridge ciminal court, Brandon Righetti, 29, pleaded guilty to arson and was sentenced to time served, which amounted to pre-sentence custody of 483 days.
Court heard that on April 30, 2019 the OPP received a call from the Huntsville Fire Department regarding a structure fire in Huntsville. On that day Righetti and another man were both residing in the house when Righetti burst first into the other occupant’s room saying that he smelled gas and they should both leave the house immediately. The men quickly gathered their belongings, court heard, and the second occupant later said he had seen a jerry can of gas on the back porch. Righetti then flicked a lit cigarette back into the house which quickly, “went up in flames in an explosive style.”
Court heard that Righetti had been living in the home as a tenant but had been told by the landlord he needed to find a new residence.
It was determined by the Fire Marshal’s Office gasoline had been used in the fire, and it could be considered arson. An investigation also revealed that Righetti had made videos of himself starting fires within the residence just four days earlier.
The residence was completely destroyed, with damage estimated at just under $200,000.
In addition to the 483 days served in pre-trial custody, Righetti was also sentenced to 18 months of probation.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox three times per week!
Click here to support local news