The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Crime & Courts

June 8, 2012

Neosho man sentenced to two seven-year terms for setting pool house fire

NEOSHO, Mo. — A 22-year-old Neosho man was sentenced earlier this week to two seven-year prison sentences for his role in a fire last year at the Neosho City Pool.

James D. Chapman was sentenced by Newton County Judge Tim Perigo to seven years each on felony charges of burglary and arson related to the July 30, 2011, fire, according to court records. The sentences are to be served concurrently.

The Neosho Police Department last year arrested Chapman and two 16-year-old juveniles after following up on anonymous tips, according to Police Chief Dave McCracken.

The three were suspected of scaling a chain-link fence at the city pool at 418 Fairground Road, broke into the pool house and stole candy, soda and other items from the concession stand before setting the building on fire. About three-fourths of the building was destroyed.

A probable-cause affidavit filed in Newton County Circuit Court alleges that Chapman set the fire in two locations inside the building.

The 16-year-olds were referred to juvenile authorities.

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