Man Gets More than 10 Years in Prison in Mitchell Fire Case

MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — A Mitchell man who set fire to a Main Street apartment building has been given the maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for reckless burning.

The Daily Republic reports 30-year-old Stephen Seltz also will serve 30 days for each of two counts of simple assault on his girlfriend. He also will be responsible for at least $326,000 in restitution for damage.

Seltz initially was charged with arson and aggravated assault after the Nov. 6 fire in the three-story building. He eventually pleaded guilty to reckless burning and simple assault. He said he burned his girlfriend's clothing in his apartment after an argument, and didn't mean to cause any harm.

No people were hurt in the fire, but a dog died and several residents and two businesses were displaced.

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