MAN CONVICTED OF STARTING FIRE IN STANTON APARTMENT AND DISPLACING COMPLEX RESIDENTS

SANTA ANA, Calif. – (RealEstateRama) — A man was convicted today of starting a fire in a Stanton apartment, causing residents of the complex to be displaced. Brandon Tyler Williams, 43, Stanton, pleaded guilty to one felony count of arson of an inhabited property. He was sentenced to 600 days in county jail, three years of formal probation, and was ordered to pay restitution.

At approximately 4:00 a.m. on Jan. 20, 2016, Williams gathered plastic crates and newspapers from around the apartment complex and placed them against a wall in a central hallway of the building. Williams poured gasoline on the assembled crates and newspapers and used a lighter to start the fire. Williams burned a portion of his legs while starting the fire.

Fire sprinkler systems in the complex were activated and firefighters from the Orange County Fire Authority and Anaheim Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. Several residents in the complex could not exit the building and were forced to remain on their balconies until firefighters could use ladders to evacuate the residents safely. Williams caused fire damage that displaced several residents. None of the residents suffered any injuries as a result of the fire.

Deputy District Attorney Gautam Sood of the Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted this case.

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