The man responsible for burning down Bidwell Mansion appeared in court today for sentencing. Kevin Alexander Carlson, 30, received a full sentence for the crime — 11 years in state prison.
The charges against Carlson included felony arson, plus an enhancement. He was also imposed with several fines and ordered to pay victim restitution fees for nearly $40 million to Bidwell Mansion State Park.
Carlson will serve two years on parole after his release.
Bidwell Mansion Association President Adrienne Glatz testified during the hearing. She told NSPR that Carlson’s actions were an attack on the community.
“There's a strong relief that we've come to this point – that it's over. And he is getting the maximum sentence, which is the most that we could have hoped,” Glatz said. “It would have been nicer if he were serving longer but under the law, that's what we have to work with.”
The defense attempted to get Carlson’s sentence reduced by striking part of the charges that detailed the aggravation behind the crime, but the judge denied the request and stated that would not further the interest of justice and could endanger public safety.
