Arsonist gets prison sentence for setting North Side fires

YOUNGSTOWN — A serial arsonist has been sentenced to six years in prison for a total of 15 vacant house fires he set on the city’s North Side in 2005 and 2006, plus four consecutive years for a separate felonious assault charge, for a total of 10 years in prison.

Jason R. Hagens, 25, of Baldwin Street, drew the sentence today from Judge John M. Durkin of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, who also ordered him to pay $2,396 in restitution to the city fire department.

Hagens’ earliest eligibility for judicial release comes after he serves five years.

“There were multiple fires, up to three at one time, severely straining the efforts of the Youngstown Fire Department,” and its resources and endangering firefighters, police and city residents, said city fire Lt. Kevin Johnson.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com