Lang
2/1/23
A local transient who tried to set fire to Shelter House has been given a two-year prison sentence.
47-year-old Michael Dacunos reached a plea deal with prosecutors last week. He was initially charged with 1st Degree Arson, which is punishable by a maximum of 25 years in prison. Instead, Dacunos pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of 3rd Degree Arson. On Friday, Judge Chad Kepros gave him a two-year prison sentence.
Dacunos was seen on-camera walking up to a pile of abandoned property sitting against Shelter House, then walking away. Shortly afterwards, smoke and flames began coming from the area where the property was left.
The Southgate Avenue facility suffered burn and smoke damage to the outside of the property, with the odor of smoke permeating the entire building.
Dacunos lists his address as The 501 Project, which is the new apartment building Shelter House recently opened next door.