Slap on the Wrist For Detroit Arsonist?

Samson Wright admits he set a fire at a building on East Jefferson in Detroit last year.  While trying to put it out, seven Detroit Firefighters were seriously injured when a wall collapsed on them.  One of them is paralyzed for life.  Now prosecutors are recommending that the guy convicted of starting that fire, get a break when it comes to his sentencing next week.  As you can imagine, that's not sitting well with the man who represents those brave firefighters and their families.  Fox 2's Andrea Isom has the story.

Click on the video player on the left to see it.  You can also read a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office below.

Government's Response: The government's recommendation for a sentence of 10 to 15 years in prison for Samson Wright exceeds Wright's sentencing guideline range of 40-47 months in prison. The recommendation takes into account Wright's cooperation and testimony at trial against Calvin Jones, a convicted felon who was also involved in the Jefferson Avenue fire. The jury convicted Jones following trial. Had Wright not testified, Jones may have gone free. Wright's cooperation and the recommended sentence were all part of the plea agreement that Wright entered with the government prior to pleading guilty in this case. "Prosecutors must provide some consideration to participants in crime who cooperate with the government so that we may prosecute other individuals involved in the crime," McQuade said. "This is particularly true in a heinous crime like the Jefferson Avenue fire, which resulted in such a catastrophic loss to the Detroit Fire Department. This recommendation carefully balances all of the considerations we need to weigh."

-- Gina Balaya

U.S. Attorney Spokesperson