BISMARCK, N.D. - A Grand Forks man accused of starting a fire that extensively damaged a Bismarck apartment building has been sentenced to 1 1/2 years of probation after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors.
Eduardo Rodriguez originally was charged with arson and two criminal mischief felonies. Burleigh County State's Attorney Julie Lawyer says the arson charge was reduced to misdemeanor reckless endangerment when lab tests about the origin of the fire were not conclusive and Rodriguez' substance abuse on the night of the fire made intent difficult to prove.
The June 5 fire caused more than $300,000 in damage to the building.
