Six Arrested In 2016 Arson Cases Plead Guilty To Lesser Charges, Some Already Sentenced To Jail Time

Edmonson Voice photo of the Sunfish Mall, October 31, 2016.

Sentences Range From 4 to 15 Years in Jail

Darren Doyle, story and photo:​
Six individuals that faced arson, among several other charges, have pleaded guilty to lesser charges. Four of which have already been sentenced to jail time, according to court documents dated July 18, 2018.

In November of 2016, Wesley Daniel Massey, (22) of Brownsville, Tyler W. Hamilton, (21) of Brownsville, John Dennis "Richie" Woodcock, (21) of Ambassador Shores, Dylan Ramsey, (22) of Brownsville, Rachel S. Duncan, (20) of Sweeden, and Shirley Jaggers, (21) of Sweeden, were arrested on multiple counts of arson, burglary, and wanton endangerment charges as a result of a series of fires in Edmonson County in 2016, including the historic Sunfish Mall structure and it's contents. 

Both Hamilton and Massey were local volunteer firefighters at the time of their arrests.

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According to court documents, John "Richie" Woodcock pleaded guilty to three counts of Criminal Mischief-first degree (Class D Felony) and was sentenced to four years in prison on each count for a total of 12 years, consecutively. Documents also showed he was ordered to pay all court costs, restitution, and incarceration costs. He is currently housed in the Roederer Correctional Complex in LaGrange, KY. 

Tyler Hamilton pleaded guilty to three counts of Criminal Mischief-first degree (Class D Felony) and was sentenced to five years in prison for each count, for a total of 15 years, consecutively, according to court documents. Documents also showed he was ordered to pay all court costs, restitution, and incarceration costs. He is currently housed in the Muhlenberg County Detention Center.

Court documents also showed that Rachel Duncan pleaded guilty to three counts of Criminal Mischief-first degree (Class D Felony) and was sentenced to four years in prison for each count, concurrently, for a total a four year sentence plus court and jail costs and restitution. She is currently lodged in the Hart County Jail.

Shirley Jaggers also pleaded guilty to the same charges: three counts of Criminal Mischief-first degree (Class D Felony) and was sentenced to four years for each count, to run concurrently, for a total sentence of four years, plus court and jail costs and restitution, according to court documents. She is currently lodged in the Hart County Jail.

Court records also showed that Wesley Daniel Massey pleaded guilty to four counts of Criminal Mischief-first degree (Class D Felony). Formal sentencing is scheduled for November 21, 2018, and the Commonwealth Attorney's Office has recommended a 12 year sentence. According to court documentation, Massey is currently out on bond.

Court records also showed that Dylan Ramsey pleaded guilty to three counts of Criminal Mischief-first degree (Class D Felony). Formal sentencing is scheduled for November 21, 2018, but the Commonwealth Attorney's Office has recommended a 15 year sentence. Ramsey is currently out on bond, according to court documents.