MASON CITY – A Mason City man who was arrested, tried and convicted in setting his place of employment on fire and then caught with drugs is now in an Iowa prison.
A jury found Ethan Aron Miller, age 23 guilty on October 27 of first degree arson, first degree burglary, second degree theft and marijuana possession. Miller was accused of setting a fire on December 29 at the Subway restaurant, located at 421 South Illinois. He allegedly set the fire to conceal his theft from there. The restaurant was so badly damaged it had to close for months.
During sentencing, Judge James Drew ordered Miller to serve concurrent sentences of up to 25 years in prison on each of the first degree arson and first degree burglary charges, up to five years on the second degree theft charge, and 30 days in jail on the marijuana possession charge. A criminal mischief charge was dismissed.
Miller must also pay $10,539.74 in fines, fees and restitution. He has already been shipped to Oakdale in Coralville for processing.
