Area Man Takes Plea In Apartment Building Arson

A California man accused of setting fire to his own apartment and then jumping from the building entered a guilty plea to one count of arson. Christopher Grasty, 40 will receive 3-6 years in prison. According to court records, in March of 2024, Grasty started a fire in his unit of the California Manor. The 30 unit complex is owned by the Washington County Housing Authority. The fire damaged 6 apartments and displaced 29 other residents and caused $750,000 in damage. In taking the plea to the single charge, Grasty avoided punishment on several other charges. He was charged with 27 counts of arson, 26 counts of reckless endangerment along with causing a catastrophe, risking a catastrophe and criminal mischief.