2 Yosemite Lakes Park arsonists sentenced

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Madera County couple cried Friday afternoon when they were sentenced for starting a series of fires at Yosemite Lakes Park last year.

Alice Waterman and her husband, Kenneth Jackson, were found guilty earlier this year by a jury of intentionally setting the fires that cost about $1 million total to fight. They both maintain their innocence. Jackson's sister gave a very personal plea for probation. But, the judge said the evidence proved they were both active participants in starting these fires.

Waterman wiped away tears and so did Jackson. His sister told the court Friday she still believes they are innocent and not sophisticated enough to plan out and then start fires that left few clues and no ignition source behind.

"I love you guys, but you are far from sophisticated," said Tawnya Keith, Jackson's sister. "I've been on camping trips with these two and have had multiple weeks of planning, and those have gone awry."

Despite the personal plea, Jackson was sentenced to 30 years in prison and Waterman to 10 years.

Prosecutor Sally Moreno said the sentence was fair. She asked for the judge for the maximum punishment, in part, because of the terror and threat the crimes caused the community.

"Every member of that community was threatened every day, and they came in and they testified that every day they were afraid to stay in their homes or afraid to leave their homes," said Moreno. "They were stuck between a rock and a hard place, and their anxiety levels rose every day."

Defense attorneys reminded the judge the couple had no prior criminal history and were eligible and suitable candidates for probation. One of their attorneys said even though Jackson's probation report noted he was not remorseful, that should not be misinterpreted.

"He maintains his innocence. I feel it's unfair to say he is not remorseful and use that against him," said attorney Martin Jones.

The judge also took into account several character letters sent to the court. But he decided the crimes were not only dangerous to the community, they were dangerous to firefighters, too, because of the conditions.

"They were particularly vulnerable because of the time of the year and the drought that was occurring. It was a unique vulnerability because the fires spread so quickly," said Hon. Dale Blea.

After court, defense attorneys said they are already planning to file an appeal.