2008 Woodie Awards
Desjardins to meet with Isabella County judge
By: David Veselenak
Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: News
Alleged arsonist Evan Thomas Desjardins is scheduled to meet with Judge Mark H. Duthie this morning to determine the former Pizza King employee's fate.
Desjardins was bound over at a preliminary examination Jan. 31 on charges of real arson, arson preparation and larceny in a building. Desjardins faces life in prison if found guilty on all counts because of his previous felony charges, said Isabella County Prosecutor Larry Burdick.
Arson and larceny each have a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Burdick said the conference could result in a settlement.
If the case goes to trial, the trial would not occur until next month, Burdick said.
"The court would probably set aside three days (for the trial)," he said.
William Shirley, a court-appointed attorney for Desjardins, could not be reached for comment.
Desjardins is accused of setting fire to Pizza King, which also resulted in damages at the Hip-Hop Shop, 716 Preston St., and The Store, 710 Preston St., on Sept. 16. He also is accused of stealing funds from the restaurant.
The corner property previously occupied by the burned businesses is being renovated.
Jerome Fine, general counsel for Bobenal Investments, Inc., said the company is looking to rebuild on the site with both commercial and residential properties.
"We're in the beginning planning stages," he said.
Fine said Bobenal is looking to have the property looked at by inspectors because of the fire damage. The company is looking to get the property Brownfield Redevelopment funding, he said.
Brownfield funding gives developers money to renovate a functionally obsolete property.
"Obviously, the property is obsolete at the moment," he said.
A schedule for renovating the property has not been set yet, although some of the businesses previously located at the corner have expressed interest in reopening there.
Fine said he could not disclose which businesses have discussed with him.
news@cm-life.com
Desjardins was bound over at a preliminary examination Jan. 31 on charges of real arson, arson preparation and larceny in a building. Desjardins faces life in prison if found guilty on all counts because of his previous felony charges, said Isabella County Prosecutor Larry Burdick.
Arson and larceny each have a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Burdick said the conference could result in a settlement.
If the case goes to trial, the trial would not occur until next month, Burdick said.
"The court would probably set aside three days (for the trial)," he said.
William Shirley, a court-appointed attorney for Desjardins, could not be reached for comment.
Desjardins is accused of setting fire to Pizza King, which also resulted in damages at the Hip-Hop Shop, 716 Preston St., and The Store, 710 Preston St., on Sept. 16. He also is accused of stealing funds from the restaurant.
The corner property previously occupied by the burned businesses is being renovated.
Jerome Fine, general counsel for Bobenal Investments, Inc., said the company is looking to rebuild on the site with both commercial and residential properties.
"We're in the beginning planning stages," he said.
Fine said Bobenal is looking to have the property looked at by inspectors because of the fire damage. The company is looking to get the property Brownfield Redevelopment funding, he said.
Brownfield funding gives developers money to renovate a functionally obsolete property.
"Obviously, the property is obsolete at the moment," he said.
A schedule for renovating the property has not been set yet, although some of the businesses previously located at the corner have expressed interest in reopening there.
Fine said he could not disclose which businesses have discussed with him.
news@cm-life.com
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