A man who set fire to a Hopkins County assisted living center will likely spend 10 years in a state mental hospital.
44-year-old James Benton, Jr. pleaded guilty but mentally ill to second degree arson for last year's incident.
Benton was initially indicted for 1st degree arson, but it was scaled back.
Firefighters were called to the scene at the Homestead Personal Care Center where they helped move all 56 residents to safety that day a little more than a year ago.
One man was treated for smoke inhalation, but there were no further injuries.
Benton could have faced the maximum of life in prison if convicted of 1st degree arson, but prosecution recommended Benton receive treatment in a state psychiatric care facility due to his mental state.
"It would make no sense at all turning him loose on the yard at Eddyville or LaGrange, he wouldn't survive this way," said Commonwealth Attorney David Massamore. "While he's being punished we also get to deal with his mental illness and it was a good resolution."
The nursing home has since reopened and has been renovated.
Benton's formal sentencing is set for Monday morning.
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