Firefighter pleads guilty in arson case
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Rutland Herald Staff - Published: December 18, 2009
One of two former Wallingford firefighters charged with setting fire to a bus stop has pleaded guilty to fourth-degree arson, but will not serve jail time under a 1- to 2-year suspended sentence.
Matthew D. Burnham, 20, was originally charged with felony second-degree arson — which carried a 1- to 5-year jail sentence — for allegedly setting fire to a bus stop shelter on Hartsboro Road in Wallingford. But the former volunteer firefighter pleaded guilty to the lesser misdemeanor charge through a plea deal with the prosecution.
Burnham was one of six Wallingford firefighters implicated in setting at least 22 intentional fires in the town in 2008. However, only Burnham and Charles Woods, who prosecutors say also had a hand in setting the bus stop on fire, were ever charged.
Woods, who was charged with felony accessory after the fact, pleaded innocent to the charge earlier this year and his case is still pending in Vermont District Court.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Burnham must complete 104 hours of community service — preferably in Wallingford — during the next two years, is prohibited from working in any fire service and must turn over any red light permits he has, according to his sentencing order.
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