Indiana man ordered to pay $11.9M for causing fire
Indiana man ordered to pay $11.9M for causing fire
6 January 2010
published by www.mercurynews.com
USA — An Indiana man who sparked a fire on Santa Catalina Island while working as a subcontractor has been ordered to pay nearly $12 million in restitution to Southern California Edison.
Deputy District Attorney Sean Carney said Wednesday that is in addition to the $4 million that Gary Hunt was ordered to pay to three other entities last August.
Hunt pleaded no contest last February to recklessly causing the May 2007 fire while using an open-flame torch. The blaze destroyed one home and several other buildings as it burned through more than 4,000 acres of brush.
He was sentenced to five years probation and community service.
Michael Zimbert, Hunt’s attorney, says his 51-year-old client will never be able to make restitution, but insurance should partially cover the amount.
