A Natrona County man is admitting that he intentionally started a fire, because he didn't get paid for a drug deal.

Twenty four year old Adam Barelle has pleaded guilty to one charge of first degree arson.

In late March, investigators with the Casper Police Department and Casper Fire EMS were called to an apartment fire in the 1200 block of Boulder Drive.

They said when they got there, they found in the lower level, a three to four foot square area had been scorched and evidence that a fire extinguisher had been used.

No damage was reported in any apartments, but investigators did detect a gasoline type odor, and determined that the fire had been intentionally set.

An apartment tenant said the Barelle was there earlier in the day, and had been kicked out of the place due to an argument.

The tenant then later spotted the fire and put it out.

The Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation was later able to obtain a confession from Barelle, in which he stated he was owed money from a drug deal, and was never paid.

He then went out to his truck, grabbed a gasoline can, poured the gas on the floor and ignited it.

As part of a plea deal, prosecutors will seek a four-to-six year prison sentence with a boot camp recommendation.

If he completes boot camp, he could be called back for a sentence review.

Barelle is being held on $25,000 bond, and will be sentenced at a later date.

More From K2 Radio