Shelbyville Man Gets Six Years in Prison

A Shelbyville man has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to residential arson.

37-year-old John R. Thomas will face three years of supervision once he's released from prison.

Shelby County State's Attorney Gina Vonderheide said Thomas was arrested after an investigation by Shelbyville Police Officer Carissa Smith and State Fire Marshal Steve Mason. Their report indicated that fires were started at both the front and rear entrances of the home of Jon K. Helton in Shelbyville. Thomas later admitted he started the fire because he was angry at Helton as he believed Helton had stolen money from him.

Thomas also pleaded guilty to resisting a peace officer and was sentenced to 364 days in the county jail, which will be served concurrent with the prison term.