PORT ANGELES — A Sequim man initially charged with attempted arson after reportedly trying to burn his mother’s house down has pleaded guilty to a lesser offense and will serve no more jail time in the matter.
Kevin Thomas Root, 44, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of first-degree reckless burning after he spread gasoline and left burning papers in the living room of his mother’s SunLand home Oct. 11.
Root was sentenced to 66 days in jail, with credit for 66 days served, and 12 months’ community custody, according to Clallam County Superior Court records.
Root also must complete a chemical dependency evaluation and complete what recommendations come from the evaluation while on community custody, according to Superior Court records.
According to the county Sheriff’s Office, Root told the deputy who was called to the home at 247 Taylor Blvd. in Sequim on Oct. 11 that he wanted to burn his mother’s house down.
Root’s mother, Marjorie Root, told Yarnes her son also had thrown multiple kitchen knives at her bedroom door while she was inside the room reading, causing roughly $200 in damage.
A restitution hearing to decide how much Root must pay for the damage caused to his mother’s property has been set for Feb. 14.
_________
Reporter Jeremy Schwartz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jschwartz@peninsuladailynews.com.
