CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A Logan County husband and wife pleaded guilty Tuesday to aiding and abetting arson and mail fraud in the resolution of a 10-year swath of burned trailers, buildings and automobiles that prosecutors say was an attempt to bilk five insurance companies out of $300,000.
As part of a plea agreement other charges against Wanda Marcum, 52, and Tommy Marcum, 48, were dismissed.
Herb Hively, lawyer for Wanda Marcum, said the plea agreement will save his client from trial on two other arson charges, which under the law would require consecutive 10-year sentences for each conviction, while sentences on most convictions can be served simultaneously.
Wanda Marcum also waived any right to claim that the statute of limitations had expired on the arson charge, which was focused on a July 5, 1999, fire that destroyed a mobile home five days after she obtained insurance from American Modern Insurance Co.
Responding to questions from U.S. District Judge David Faber, Marcum was at first reluctant to admit her guilt.
``I knew I made plans for it to happen, but I didn't know it was going to happen,'' Wanda Marcum said.
On the first count, Wanda Marcum faces a possibility of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the second count carries a maximum possible sentence of five years and $250,000 fine.
Tommy Marcum faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Crawford said that between 1993 and 2003, the Marcums applied for insurance policies on numerous homes and vehicles, hired an individual to commit the arsons, then filed claims against the insurance.
All told, federal prosecutors linked the couple to arsons, car crashes and other mishaps that prompted more than 60 claims for damages between mid-1993 and December 2003 with more than 15 insurance companies.
The original 13-count indictment, handed up Dec. 4, 2003, focuses on four mobile home fires in Logan and Mingo counties and a fifth arson across the border in Turkey Creek, Ky. The indictment also encompasses two auto claim filings, including one for a crash that allegedly never happened.
Sentencing for both Marcums is set for January.
