"He deeply regrets that his actions have hurt his family, his friends, and those who he worked with, his fellow firefighters. "By his plea in criminal court, Marcel took responsibility for his actions, for not only a violation of the law, but for a violation of the trust of the residents of Compton," defense attorney George Bird said in a statement. He had faced up to 10 years and eight months in prison, Rose said. Melanson was fired from the department before being arrested in May 2013. "It's like a family business - terminating your brother or something."įire Chief Jon Thompson said he was happy that Melanson's plea saved his department from getting involved in a trial. "I'm not mad at him, more mad at what he did," said Deputy Chief Bryan Batiste, who knew Melanson since his involvement with the Fire Department in high school. The allegations shook the Compton Fire Department, where Melanson had been well-liked. Through a repeat buyer, investigators discovered that Melanson had been selling other Compton-owned radio equipment since 2008, Rose added. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators discovered that many of the missing radios were sold on EBay or offline to private buyers, Rose said. Melanson set up the fire to look accidental, said Patrick Wills, an arson investigator with the Long Beach Fire Department. Attention then turned to Melanson, who was on duty at the station the night of the fire and the only one with access to the radios. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, concluded the blaze was arson. Investigators from the Long Beach and Montebello fire departments, as well as the U.S. A massive fire in an industrial area of Compton engulfed piles of wooden. When that plan was scrapped, the city hoped to recoup some of its investment by selling the radios.Īfter the damaged radios were accounted for and it was noticed that some were missing, an investigation was opened, Deputy Dist. Evergreen Pallet FireEvergreen Pallet fire caused by spontaneous combustion May. The equipment, valued at more than $1 million, was bought by the city during a failed attempt to revive its Police Department, which had been disbanded in favor of a policing contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The building was slightly damaged, and many of the 200-plus radios were destroyed. 1 in December 2011 in an indoor racquetball court where the radio equipment was stored. The resolution of the case came as a surprise to Fire Department employees who appeared at a downtown courthouse prepared to testify against someone they said was like family.Īccording to authorities, a fire broke out at Compton's Fire Station No. Melanson must pay restitution, but the amount is still being determined, the prosecutor added.Īs a result of the plea, authorities dropped the more severe charge of arson of a structure and a second embezzlement count. He is expected to be sentenced to three years and four months in state prison, a prosecutor said. Marcel Melanson, 38, was accused of stealing valuable city-owned radio equipment, then setting a fire to cover up the theft. He called Frank the “Township Historian.April 16-A former Compton Fire Department battalion chief pleaded no contest Tuesday to felony charges of arson of property and embezzlement by a public official. Richter spoke of Frank Tranby and his contributions to preserve and record the history of the school house and other significant structures in the area. The history and grandeur of the building at the corner are not lost on this group. Talk of restoring the building was considered, though some felt repairs would be more costly than building new. At this time all ideas were being floated including demolition and building a new structure. They decided for the next 60 days they will meet at the Deer Creek Community Center until more plans are made. The Compton board had an emergency meeting this week to discuss steps to move forward. Seeing the building burned was bad, hearing that it appeared to be arson was even more damaging. Richter said when he got the call to come in the early morning hours he suspected it could have been lightning or some other cause. From the lawn, you can now view into the structure through a gaping hole, taking a look back in time.Ĭollins commented that it was sad to see the building destroyed. The fire extends from the staircase that heads down to the full basement, up one side of the building wall, into the rafters and burned out to the other side of the building.
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