A Storm Lake man was sentenced this week in Buena Vista County District Court on an arson charge.
Back in May, 37-year-old Bounta Phanthavong pleaded guilty to 2nd Degree Arson, a class C felony. He was sentenced to a ten-year suspended prison sentence, and was placed on probation with the Iowa Department of Corrections for three years. Phanthavong will also be placed at a Residential Treatment Facility, if deemed necessary. The BV County Attorney’s Office argued for a prison sentence due to the nature of the crime, the defendant’s recent criminal history, and inability to restrain his substance abuse.
On the evening of November 18th of last year, Phanthavong was arrested by Storm Lake Police after being accused of intentionally starting a fire in the basement of the residence at 824 North Ontario Street. The fire was extinguished shortly after by other occupants.
