Overview
Jeffrey D. Peterson, a 45-year-old man from Marseilles, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for aggravated arson after he set fire to his brother’s house in January while his brother was trapped inside. Peterson is ineligible for parole until 2034.
Incident Summary
- Jeffrey D. Peterson set fire to his brother’s home in January.
- The incident occurred while his brother was trapped inside the house.
- Peterson pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated arson.
Sentencing Details
- Peterson appeared in La Salle County Circuit Court for sentencing.
- He received a 12-year prison sentence for aggravated arson.
- Parole eligibility will not begin before 2034.
Defendant’s Statement
- Peterson admitted wrongdoing, stating, "All I can say is I made the biggest mistake of my life."
Legal and Community Context
- The case was handled by the La Salle County judicial system.
- The incident and sentencing were covered by local crime reporter Tom Collins.