Defense attorney David Renzi said it would be ``very difficult'' for Kelly J. Gleason-Tyo to pay the restitution ordered Monday in Jefferson County Court.
Gleason-Tyo was an employee for one of the six businesses destroyed or damaged in the fire, which she initially told police she started last March by setting a jacket on fire with a match.
At the time, Gleason-Tyo told police she set the fire to vent her emotions after being ``overwhelmed'' by a day that was ``going very wrong.'' After starting the fire, Gleason-Tyo went to a tanning salon to relax.
Renzi later argued that Gleason-Tyo suffered from psychiatric problems but a judge ruled her confession was admissible as evidence.
Gleason-Tyo pleaded guilty in November to reduced charges that included third-degree arson. She had originally been charged with second-degree arson, which is punishable by five to 25 years in prison.
Renzi said Gleason-Tyo still maintains her innocence but pleaded guilty to avoid the possible longer prison sentence.
