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Mostly Cloudy Lacey gets maximum sentence for deadly N. Lawrence fire
Judge gives 25 years to life in arson/murder case
After pleas from family members for as stiff a sentence as possible, Nassau County Court Judge Jerald Carter threw the book at Caleb Lacey Friday morning, seven weeks after he was convicted of causing a North Lawrence fire that killed four people.
Carter sentenced Lacey, 20, to the maximum of 25 years to life in prison for his role in the Feb. 19, 2009, fire at a North Lawrence apartment that killed 46-year-old Morena Vanegas, her 19-year-old son, Saul Preza, and her daughters Susanna and Andrea Vanegas, 13 and 9.
"I have come to the conclusion that on Feb. 19, 2009, the evidence that was introduced clearly indicates that Caleb Lacey is guilty of these crimes," Carter said before announcing the sentence.
Friday’s sentencing came nearly two months after a jury found Lacey guilty on counts of felony murder, second-degree manslaughter, second-degree arson and reckless endangerment. The verdicts were announced on Feb. 19, the one-year anniversary of the fire. When Lacey was about to be led away in handcuffs that day, he appeared to attempt to escape, causing police officers to tackle him and creating temporary chaos inside and outside the courtroom.
"The family is very relieved," said Morena's sister America Chavez, who wore a white T-shirt that read, "We want justice" and had pictures of the four victims, after the sentence was announced.
Before he was sentenced, Lacey apologized for his actions in court in February and claimed he was innocent. "When this tragedy happened, I felt horrible for the lives that were lost," he said, adding that he attended funerals for all the victims. "I will always pray for the family."
His attorney, Christopher Cassar, said he was disappointed but not surprised by the sentencing, and added that he would soon file an appeal. "This is a tragic day for everyone," Cassar said.
At the time of the fire, Lacey was a first-year probationary firefighter with the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department. Police said he started the fire by dousing the only stairwell in the two-story North Lawrence building with gasoline, setting it alight and then driving to the firehouse, planning to be a hero by responding to the scene to put out the flames.
