Morgantown woman convicted of arson

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sarah Beth Meckley, 33, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was convicted today of arson, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

In May 2014, Meckley maliciously damaged and destroyed by means of fire and explosive materials the Chateau Royale Apartment Complex in Morgantown.

Meckley pled guilty today to a criminal Information charging her with one count of “Arson of a Building Used in Interstate Commerce.” She faces between five and twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Fire Marshal investigated.

U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.