Conviction Upheld in Torching of Church Near Raymond, Mississippi
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- The state Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of a former Raymond volunteer firefighter for starting a fire that destroyed a church sanctuary.
Gary LaShawn McGee, of Jackson, was convicted of first-degree arson in 2002 in Hinds County.
McGee was sentenced McGee to 28 years in prison and ordered him to pay 774-thousand dollars in restitution.
The 2001 fire destroyed the 150-member Hinds Independent Methodist Church near Raymond.
McGee argued on appeal that his lawyer didn't do a good job.
The Appeals Court says McGee didn't prove how his attorney's actions prevented him from getting a fair trial.