By Gretyl Macalaster
The Union Leader
BRENTWOOD, N.H. — A former Candia firefighter reached a plea deal with prosecutors last week and will spend 12 months in jail after facing numerous arson-related charges.
Christopher Millspaugh, 22, formerly of 72 Flint Rd., Candia, faced numerous charges related to several fires he admittedly started in town.
Many of the charges were nol prossed as part of the deal.
Millspaugh pleaded guilty to felony-level attempted arson for purposely propping a starter log against a building at the Candia Woods Golf Course and igniting it, felony-level arson for burning a piece of logging equipment belonging to Moose Mountain Logging, and a misdemeanor charge of arson for soliciting a minor to start a fire in a dumpster belonging to Waste Management.
Two charges of reckless conduct, a charge of endangering the welfare of a minor, a charge of arson and a charge of attempted arson all were not prosecuted as part of the agreement.
Prosecutor Jackie Docko said some of the reasons many of the charges were not prosecuted were Millspaugh’s age, his willingness to accept responsibility and his willingness to pay $30,000 in restitution, half of which he already has paid.
Docko said the victim of the logging equipment fires was satisfied with the deal.
Millspaugh also was sentenced to 200 hours of community service, two years of probation as well as mental health counseling if he is not accepted by the Marines as he hopes.
He also faces state prison time if he violates any of the conditions set out in the agreement.
Some of the charges date back to 2005.
Docko said Millspaugh started the fires because he wanted to be a hero and wanted something to do when on duty, according to police reports.
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