Darrin Vaughan appeared before Judge Anita Harold Ashley in Calhoun Circuit Court for sentencing on his conviction of 2nd Degree Arson in relation to the July 8th, 2022, Bramblewood Village Fire.
A pre-sentence investigation report had been provided by Alicia Lawson, Probation officer, and accepted by Prosecuting Attorney Nigel Jeffries and Defense Attorney, Daniel Minardi.
Prior to sentencing, Attorney Minardi argued for the defendant that his only prior conviction had been for a joy riding offense and that the defendant had several health concerns where he self medicated though substance abuse. Because of incarceration he has been seven months clean but Attorney Minardi believed that Vaughan would still need help to maintain sobriety outside of Prison. In light of his criminal history this wasn’t something that Minardi thought his client did to punish or hurt someone; he had only burnt his apartment because of a drug induced concern (although damage was sustained to multiple units). The requested sentence from the defense was that he not receive the maximum sentence but for strict probation of three to five years, following one year in the Regional Jail.
Judge Ashley informed the defendant and his council that pursuant to the plea agreement there would be restitution in the amount of $72,698.96 to be paid to Nationwide Mutual. Her sentence handed down to Darrin Vaughan was for 10 years in the custody of the Department of Corrections. She informed him that this had been a situation that had the potential to destroy. Adding that fortunately the Fire Departments stopped injury or lives lost and that she was grateful for a competent Department. Because of this she could not in good conscience allow this gentleman out on the street. He had portrayed himself with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome), Alcohol Stimulant Disorder and a Personality Disorder but regardless his sentence was as stated, with 224 days credit for time served.
