A Frankfort woman has pleaded guilty to arson and wanton endangerment charges for starting the September 2011 Big Lots fire that caused $1 million worth of damage.
Angela Lynn, 34, set the fire at Big Lots Sept. 16 while working in the storage area. Five employees were present at the time, and Lynn was charged with wanton endangerment along with arson.
The plea agreement recommended Lynn serve five years on each charge to run concurrently. However – once she’s sentenced – she could serve about 180 days before she’s released.
In Franklin Circuit Court Friday, Commonwealth’s Attorney Larry Cleveland said he would only oppose shock probation until she serves six months.
Shock probation is used when a judge orders an offender to serve jail time, but probates the remainder of the sentence in hopes the “shock” back into his or her normal life will aid in compliance with laws.
According to a Sept. 23 polygraph interview, Lynn admitted she used a cigarette lighter to set a scrap of paper on fire in the storage area in the store after speaking with an ex-boyfriend, court records say.
She left the storage area “stressed and aggravated” while the paper was on fire, but did not intend for it to expand, according to the court file. She said she thought the fire would burn itself out before causing damage, according to the record.
Lynn had worked at the store for a little under a year.
During her plea Friday, Lynn admitted to Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate that she has been diagnosed with a bi-polar condition.
Before he issues her sentence July 13, Wingate requested Lynn to submit any documentation to the court about the disorder after she is evaluated.
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