Plano Teen Pleads Guilty To Arson And Graffiti
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PLANO (CBSDFW.COM) - Graffiti left at a series of intentionally set fires led Plano Police and Fire investigators to a Plano teen who has plead guilty to the crimes and has now been sentenced.
Jose Gamez, who was 17 years old at the time of the fires and is now 19 years old, plead guilty to the three counts of arson and one count of graffiti filed against him by the Collin County District Attorney.
He has been sentenced to 10 years' probation. He must also pay restitution of $50,000 and complete 350 hours of community service.
The five fires were set over a period of time ranging from July 16 and August 1, 2014 with the first fire destroying playground equipment at Plano's Shoshoni Park. A vehicle fire on Del Sol Drive and an apartment fire at the Golden Leaf Apartments in the early hours of July 29 are also attributed to Gamez. The last two fires also occurred at the Golden Leaf Apartments; one in the laundry room and one in a vacant apartment.
At most of the fires Gamez and two juvenile accomplices painted graffiti including the tag of "CBC," which was found to stand for "Criminal Boys Crew." It was this graffiti that helped lead Plano Police to Gamez and the two juveniles.
Gamez remains in the Collin County Jail where he has been since his arrest on October 29, 2014. He will not be released until he completes the Collin County's Moral Recognition Therapy and the Collin County Sheriff's Convicted Offender Reentry Effort.
"Plano Police and Fire investigators worked as a team on this case proving the importance of each agency in apprehending the suspects and bringing them to justice," said Fire Marshal David Kerr. "We are satisfied with the message the Court sent through its sentencing. It shows these are serious life safety and property concerns."
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