CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man charged with arson in two, separate cases was sentenced to state prison Monday in Clearfield County Court.
William John Devaney Jr., 43, 104 Franks Ln., Clearfield, pleaded guilty to arson, criminal mischief and 28 counts of recklessly endangering another person. In the second case, he pleaded guilty to arson and criminal mischief. He was sentenced to a total of 36 months to 14 years in state prison. He was fined $32 plus costs and must pay restitution of more than $36,000.
On May 27, 2012, a fire was reported at 98 Franks Ln., Clearfield, according to the affidavit of probable cause in the first case. When officers arrived on the scene, Devaney could be seen running around and saying, “It’s going to blow! Get back it’s going to blow!” Within minutes there were two minor explosions. Devaney was asked how he knew there was going to be an explosion and he denied saying say anything like that.
A state police officer declared the fire to be arson because there were patterns of accelerant on the door, floor and stairs. It appeared the accelerant was splashed around causing the fire to be fast at first and then burn off.
Devaney was questioned again and was evasive and inconsistent with his story.
In another interview with police, Devaney did admit to warning the others there was going to be an explosion but explained that was because he mowed for the owner and knew there were gas cans there.
On Oct. 3, there was another fire at a trailer at 83 Franks Ln. A witness told police that he was in Devaney’s residence that night. He stated that Devaney came in and immediately changed his clothes just minutes before the fire was reported.
During an interview in March, Devaney admitted to using gasoline to start both fires.