(09/20/06) RIVERHEAD ? Prosecutors say a would-be arsonist had his own violent plan to ensure four convicted sex offenders got out of a Mastic neighborhood.

Mastic resident Donald Keegan, 36, is accused of hatching a plot to torch the sex offenders while they slept. Prosecutors say Keegan targeted the home at 115 Eleanor Avenue, which is being rented to the four individuals. The house recently made headlines when residents held protests in an attempt to get the sex offenders out of their neighborhood. The four individuals were ordered to move out because they live near a community center.

Investigators say Keegan planned to break a window in the house, then throw some type of accelerant in the residence to burn it down. Prosecutors told members of the media their case is strengthened by phone taps and surveillance video of Keegan formulating the plan.

Keegan is being held on $1 million cash bail or $2 million bond. He has several prior convictions, including weapons possession, and is due back in court on October 7.

Related information: Mastic residents protest sex offender placements in their neighborhoods Mastic residents say sex offender cluster in neighborhood is unacceptable