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A 31-year-old Taunton man who attempted to burn down his ex-girlfriend’s home while she was still inside earlier this year was convicted of malicious destruction of property and sentenced to serve the maximum two-and-a-half year jail sentence.
Shemroy William, of 42 Weir Street, was convicted by a jury of his peers in Taunton District Court after just one hour of deliberation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Shawn Guilderson and the sentence was handed down by Judge Michael Brennan.
On March 10, 2016, Taunton Police and Fire officials responded to 164 Somerset Avenue after the intended victim and her friend reported that the defendant was attempting to light the home on fire.
An investigation revealed the defendant attempted to light the home on fire in five different locations and wedged a propane tank up against the house while a fire on the back porch was burning.
Fire officials were able to pull the tank away from the home before it ignited. Police located the defendant about 100 yards away from the home with two lighters in his pocket and an empty bag of Cheetos. Investigators determined the defendant attempted to use the Cheetos to accelerate the fire.
“The defendant engaged in outrageous behavior that jeopardized the safety of the intended victim, her friend and first responders,” said District Attorney Quinn. “I want to thank Deputy Fire Chief Scott Dexter for his quick response and removal of the propane tank. I would also like to thank Judge Brennan for imposing the maximum jail sentence, which was well deserved.”
