A pair of paramedics pleaded guilty Tuesday to torching their Austell home to collect insurance money.
Amanda Willard and Samantha Willard were married in September 2015 when someone kicked in the door of their burning home to find it was empty, according to a district attorney’s office news release.
Firefighters later found all knobs on the gas stove turned to high and the pilot light out.
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Days before the fire, the couple — both of whom worked at Grady Memorial Hospital — took out a $45,000 renter’s insurance policy.
Samantha’s mother, who owned the home at 6655 Ivy Log Drive, received a payout of $84,000, almost twice what she paid for the property in October 2014, according to Cobb property records.
The women, who were found to have intentially set the fire, must pay $136,000 in restitution.
The prosecutor recommended 10 years of prison for 26-year-old Amanda, but she avoided prison and was instead sentenced to 20 years probation. She must also perform 60 hours of community service.
Previously out on bond, 25-year-old Samantha received five years in prison and 15 years probation. The prosecutor argued in court that she was “the brains of this operation.”
The DA’s office also noted: “Samantha Willard then took out her phone and appeared to send a text message as her sentence was being imposed, drawing a sharp rebuke from the judge.”
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