Virginia Man Pleads Guilty in Million Dollar Arson Fire
February 4, 2008 — 20 year Tyler Erickson of Virginia has pleaded guilty to several charges in connection with a major fire in downtown Virginia. The blaze on November 5, 2007 in the 100 block of Chestnut Street damaged several businesses and displaced around two dozen people. The fire was fought by six Iron Range fire departments. Damages exceeded a million dollars. According to criminal complaints, Erickson started the fire because of a drug deal that had gone bad. He allegedly took lighter fluid and set a couch in an upstairs apartment on fire. Erickson pled guilty to three counts of arson, burglary and damage to property. He could serve between four to eight years in prison, plus he will have to pay restitution. Sentencing has been set for March 3rd.
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