ROCKLAND — A Rockland man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for setting a mobile home on fire while three people, including a six-year-old child, were sleeping inside.

Timothy Barbeau, 43, was convicted of one count of arson in Knox County Unified Court Sept. 14. A second count of arson was dismissed.

Barbeau’s full sentence included 10 years in prison with all but 30 months suspended.

He pled guilty under the “Alford plea.” This type of plea means that he did not admit to the criminal act, only that the prosecution could likely prove the charge.

Barbeau will also serve three years of probation following his release from prison. The terms of his probation include that he complete substance abuse and psychological evaluations and receive treatment if needed. Additionally, he also cannot possess any lighters, matches, torches or anything that can start a fire.

The District Attorney’s Office had filed a notice in court stating that they would not prosecute Barbeau for aggravated attempted murder due to insufficient evidence.

Barbeau was arrested on the morning of Nov. 8 by State Fire Marshal investigator, Mary MacMaster, working with the Rockland Police and fire departments, for allegedly setting the mobile home on fire earlier that same day.

He has remained at Knox County Jail since he was arrested.

According to the affidavit filed in court by MacMaster, she was first notified by Rockland Fire Chief Chris Whytock on Nov. 8, 2016 around 7:00 a.m. that a male, identified as Barbeau, splashed gasoline on the outside of an occupied mobile home at 23 Third Street in the Sunset Terrace Mobile Home Park and lit it. Whytock also relayed that a neighbor was outside and saw Barbeau start the fire.

Barbeau lived at 2 Second Street, also in the Sunset Terrace Mobile Home Park.

The investigator interviewed the witness, who said he got up early and was outside around 5:30 a.m. to smoke a cigarette and saw Barbeau walking across the lawn and approaching the victim’s home, according to court documents. He said he could see that Barbeau was carrying “something” and that he used it to splash a liquid on the house. He then saw Barbeau light the house on fire.

The witness said that after house was on fire, Barbeau continued to splash “the liquid” onto the house. He then grabbed Barbeau and he stopped and dropped the gasoline can, according to the affidavit.

On two occasions, Barbeau tried to run off but the witness said he was able to hold him until Rockland police arrived.

The investigator collected the evidence at the scene, including a partially burned gasoline can and its contents, a gasoline can nozzle and a lighter.

According to affidavit, the fire cause minimal damage to the exterior of the residence and no one was injured. 

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com