A Hanover, Pa., man involved in the $4.5 million arson of Americana Tire and Wheel Co. in 2008 has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
John Hughes Jr., 36, was
convicted in August of conspiracy to commit arson, interstate transportation of stolen property and conspiracy to transport stolen property over state lines. He was sentenced Monday and also was ordered to pay $3.7 million in restitution, according to local reports.
His co-defendant, 44-year-old Angel Rodriguez, previously pleaded guilty to one count of arson/affecting interstate commerce and in August was sentenced to five years in federal prison. He cooperated with authorities and helped them build a case against Hughes.
Between 2006 and 2008, Hughes and Rodriguez, along with others, stole tires, rims and other inventory from Americana Tire and Wheel. Both worked there, and Hughes was warehouse supervisor, reports said. The men then sold the stolen property to people and other businesses.
To cover up the more than a half-million dollars worth in thefts, Hughes and Rodriguez agreed to torch the dealership. Rodriguez set the fire after Hughes had disabled warehouse's sprinkler system, records show.
Hughes is actually the son of the late John Hughes Sr., who started Hardy Tire
& Wheel, which later became Americana Tire & Wheel. Hughes Sr.
died in March 2008.