Rockville Centre man frustrated that man who attempted to set home on fire is out on bail
A Rockville Centre man said he's been living in fear since flames erupted outside his home in December of 2023.
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Mitchell Kraeling said he's been living in fear for nearly 16 months, after he said two vehicles and the door to his Rockville Centre home were set on fire.
John Courtien, of Freeport, pleaded guilty to arson.
Kraeling expressed frustration that Courtien, who will be sentenced to five years behind bars under a plea agreement, remains out on bail as the case continues to go through the court.
Courtien was scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday, but the case was adjourned and is now scheduled for May 2.
Kraeling told News 12 that he doesn't believe justice has been served in this case and says five years is not enough.
"This was essentially, I think, a moment of weakness for him. He had a relationship with a woman who was cheating on him with somebody else, but at the end of the day, I think he understands that this is, this is a real wakeup call, thankfully, no one was injured and he's looking to move forward and accept responsibility and take his punishment," said Courtien's attorney, Gregory Grizopoulos.
