Arson conviction upheld by appeals court

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By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer 11:33 AM Tuesday, November 17, 2009

MIDDLETOWN — The Twelfth District Court of Appeals today, Nov. 17 announced it has affirmed the conviction of a man found guilty of arson and criminal trespass.

Derek J. Campbell, 20, was convicted a year ago by a jury for starting the fire in May 2008 that destroyed a vacant apartment building at 201 Hensel Place in Hamilton.

Butler County Common Pleas Judge Craig Hedric sentenced Campbell to serve 15 months in prison and ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution to the property owner.

On appeal, Campbell’s attorney Charles M. Conliff argued that the state failed to present sufficient evidence.

In the unanimous decision, Judge Robert P. Ringland wrote that the state presented overwhelming evidence to show that Campbell was guilty, and that he was obligated to pay $100,000 in restitution.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2122 or rwilson@coxohio.com.

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