COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—A man charged in connection with an apartment fire that killed two people in Colorado Springs has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Thirty-eight-year-old Gene Johnson previously pleaded guilty to an accessory charge for lying to police.
Fourth Judicial District Judge Jann DuBois gave Johnson 604 days credit for time already served. He has been held at the El Paso County jail since shortly after the blaze broke out Jan. 16, 2007.
The fire that destroyed the Castle West apartment complex killed 52-year-old Joe Santoyo and 32-year-old Clemente Perez Salgado.
Johnson’s cousin, 24-year-old Derrick “Nicky” Johnson, faces two counts of first-degree murder, arson and other felonies.
He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial Oct. 14.
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Information from: The Gazette,



