Man Sentenced for Setting Fire to Apartment Complex

The man who was arrested for setting fire to a Casper apartment complex in November received his sentence today in Natrona County District Court.

51-year-old Wilbert Abeyta was given a suspended prison sentence of six to eight years and five years supervised probation for first degree arson.

According to police, on November 20th Abeyta was found at the scene of the fire at Gail Gardens Apartment Complex by fire personnel.

After further investigation, officers identified Abeyta, a tenant at the apartment complex, from a security video.

The two story senior apartment building received damage to the library and the stairs connecting the first and second floor. At the time of the incident, residents were evacuated and some had to be rescued with a ladder.

Abeyta originally pled not guilty, but changed his plea to guilty in May after a plea deal was made.