Conner Pleads Guilty From Charge Stemming from House Burning, Sentencing Set for August

Mode resident Bettyann Conner Monday pled guilty to a count of criminal damage in connection with a fire that damaged a home in Shumway.

The 37-year-old Conner had been charged with a Class 1 Felony charge of residential arson. The count stemmed from an incident in January of 2020 where the house suffered more than $100,000 damage.

Conner agreed to plead guilty to criminal damage to property between $10,000 and $100,000 in exchange for dismissal of the residential arson count. The prosecution has agreed to recommend a sentence of no more than two years in prison. During Monday's court hearing, Judge Christopher Matoush reminded Conner he is not bound by the State's recommended sentence. 

Conner's arrest followed the arrest of Derrick Kuhlman of Mode for the same offense. The 44-year-old Kuhlman pled guilty in May of 2020 and was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Conner's sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 30.