Adam Barelle Sentenced For Arson and Drug Possession

A Natrona County man is heading to prison after admitting that he intentionally started a fire, because he didn’t get paid for a drug deal, but he might get an opportunity to get out early.

Twenty four year old Adam Barelle was sentenced to four-to-six years in prison, and given a boot camp recommendation, after he 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.

Barelle was also sentenced to three-to-five years in prison, and given a boot camp recommendation, for pleading guilty in another case, of possession of a controlled substance methamphetamine.

Both prison sentences will run concurrent, or at the same time.

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