Corbin man gets 19 years for setting ice plant on fire in 2013

Ester Joshua Stevenson

A Corbin man has agreed to accept a 19-year prison sentence for burglarizing the Corbin Ice Company in late 2013 and setting it on fire.

Ester Joshua Stevenson, 22, was scheduled to stand trial on May 13 but instead pled guilty to two counts of third-degree burglary, second-degree arson and tampering with physical evidence in exchange for prosecutors recommending a total prison sentence of 19 years.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Allen Trimble said the overall strength of the case and the amount of damage are part of the reason for the stiff sentence.

If convicted at trial, Stevenson could have been sentenced to 60 years in prison.

"Basically the issue was the facts. The facts in this case were very strong," Trimble noted. "We had videotape showing him breaking into the facility. We had a fire inspection agent from the ATF, who did an excellent investigation at the scene, and they did $2 million worth of damage.

"Based on the facts we had, the damage done and the crimes he was charged with I think it was a fair settlement."
Trimble said that Stevenson would be responsible for paying restitution on anything the insurance company didn’t pay, which is normally the deductible.

The ice plant’s insurance company could also pursue a civil lawsuit against Stevenson.

The Nov. 25, 2013, fire began in the office area of the business.

Ice company officials said the fire destroyed the offices, and two of the three warehouses along with two delivery trucks.
Stevenson, an employee at the company, has previously admitted to setting the fire to cover up a burglary at the business, which is located off Cumberland Falls Highway.

Circuit Judge Dan Ballou allowed Stevenson to be released on bond pending his June 1 formal sentencing hearing.
He will be on home incarceration and must wear an ankle-monitoring device.