One convicted, one pleads guilty in 2023 arson case – ABC 6 News

(ABC 6 News) – The fourth person charged in the 2023 Albert Lea arson case pleaded guilty Wednesday, November 13th.

Zachary Michael Hamilton, now 18, was initially charged with aiding and abetting first-degree arson in juvenile court, according to the Freeborn County District Attorney’s Office.

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, he entered an Alford plea in exchange for the “bottom of the box,” or a slightly lighter expected sentence.

Under the plea agreement, Hamilton will likely be sentenced to 41 months with credit for time served beginning on November 9, 2023.

The announcement of the teenager’s sentence is scheduled for February 25, 2025.

November 13 Kaden Ashenfelteranother suspect in the case, was sentenced to 5 years probation, 90 days in jail and 200 hours of community service, 50 of which will be served at the Albert Lea Fire Department.

According to court records, if Ashenfelter does not complete his probation without problems, he could be re-sentenced to up to 18 months in prison.

Co-defendants Haley Merrill and Colton Wright pleaded guilty earlier this year.