ALLEGAN, Mich. -- Michael Kilbourn of Otsego could be sentenced to up in life in prison, if he is convicted of setting fire to a playground structure in Otsego.
The 37-year-old was video-arraigned in jail Tuesday on charges of 3rd-degree arson, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and being a four-time habitual offender. It is the latter charge that carries a potential life sentence.
The arson was set just after midnight on Sept. 2 at Northside Park. A large section of it was destroyed, but firefighters saved some of it. And repairs are underway.
The judge said at the arraignment that Kilbourn's includes criminal history includes uttering and publishing, resisting and obstructing, (breaking and entering), receiving and concealing, assault with weapons, and possession of methamphetamine.
Per WOOD-TV, the prosecutor told the judge that Kilbourn already was on bond for a felony in St. Joseph County, where he is awaiting a trial. And on bond for four felony charges filed in Allegan County.
“He is convicted of weapons charges, assault charges, theft, destruction of property, possession of controlled substances, possession of a weapon in prison and assaulting officers," WOOD-TV quoted the prosecutor as saying.
A minor supposedly admitted to setting some clothes on fire that he stuffed in the wooden play structure after allegedly being coerced by Kilbourn to do so.
WOOD-TV reports the minor is being charged with third-degree arson. The next court hearing for Kilbourn is scheduled for October 2. His bond was raised to $200,000 after prosecutors showed the court alleged messages from Kilbourn saying he planned to skip town after posting the initial $15,000 bond.
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