BUTLER (Pa.) – Jonathan Young, sporting a fresh haircut and trimmed beard, apologized to Frank Davis and his wife, the victims of a March 2017 arson that Young pleaded guilty to, for his actions as he received his 15-30 month jail sentence (already credited with 395 days of time served) Thursday morning in Butler County Court.
Young, a Jamestown native, admitted to burning down the Davis’ residence on Route 8 in Slippery Rock Township. Frank Davis used the residence as a place where he could do woodwork, according to a written statement from the elderly couple that was read in court by Assistant District Attorney Ben Simon.
Simon said that the Davis’ suffered “significant economic and emotional loss” due to the fire. The couple declined to read the statement themselves due to lingering emotions.
Young, who was somber throughout the hearing, told the court during his sentencing statement that his incarceration in Butler County Prison has taught him a lot about himself.
“Over the last 13 months, I’ve learned a lot about myself,” Young said. “I truly feel remorseful for what I did. I realize I did wrong. I am very sorry. I never meant to hurt you.”
“What I did was wrong. I will accept any punishment the court deems fit.”
Public defender Maura Palumbi, who stood with Young during the case, and Simon both discussed where Young would be heading next. Simon said that Young hasn’t served enough days to be paroled to either Warren (Pa) or Chautauqua County as defined by Commonwealth law.
Palumbi argued that Young should be immediately paroled to either location by Judge William Shaffer so that he could begin the process of answering the various charges that he faces. A transfer, at this point, can only be granted by a judge, according to Shaffer.
Nothing was determined today, as of the end of sentencing, by the court system. Simon did, however, say that he’s been in contact with Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson’s office, in accordance with the active detainer warrant that Chautauqua County Court placed on him.
Simon also said that he’d be in contact with the Warren County District Attorney’s office.
Young, in addition to the jail sentence, was ordered to pay over $60,000 in fines, restitution and other fees. According to court statements today, the Davis’ residence wasn’t fully insured.
Palumbi also said that Young was deemed competent to stand trial after a series of mental health evaluations, but that he should receive more mental health treatment when he returns to New York State.
