Firefighter admits torching chief's house

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Firefighter admits torching chief's house

POSTED: 10:46 a.m. EST, November 3, 2006

CNN.com

WEST BRANCH, Michigan (AP) -- A former volunteer firefighter pleaded guilty to a series of arsons, including torching a home owned by the local fire chief -- her mother.

Rita Neveau pleaded guilty Wednesday in Ogemaw County Circuit Court to three felony counts of arson. She formerly served with the Richland-Logan Township Fire Department, where her mother is the chief.

Police have said Neveau suited up to help fight many of the blazes she later confessed to setting. The fires in the area of Prescott date back to 2003 and include two at her mother's home and the burning of a camping trailer owned by her brother.

A tearful Neveau told the court she was motivated to set the fires by abuse she said she suffered as a child. Defense attorney Jon Macdonald said his client didn't mean to hurt anyone.

Neveau, 33, faces a maximum of 10 years in prison when sentenced December 6.