FAYETTEVILLE -- A doctor was found guilty in Washington County Circuit Court on Friday of two counts of arson.
The jury found George J. Shamma, 35, intentionally set two fires, one damaging a car and another damaging the Mountain Ranch Apartments in Fayetteville.
Shamma was acquitted of a third arson charge related to another car fire.
The jury recommended three years at the Arkansas Department of Correction for the car fire and six years for the apartment fire, along with a $20,000 fine. Circuit Judge Joanna Taylor ordered the terms run consecutively.
Firefighters went to 474 N. Coral Loop about 2:20 a.m. Sept. 7, 2017. Residents saw flames on the second floor and left the building before firefighters arrived, according to the fire department's incident report. No one was injured.
The fire was started intentionally with an accelerant in the second floor hall, according to a preliminary report. Firefighters found a plastic sack with an almost empty bottle of paint thinner in the hall.
Video surveillance in the apartment building showed Shamma walking on the first floor minutes before the fire alarm was activated, wearing latex gloves and carrying a bottle in a plastic sack. He also appeared to be carrying a cigarette lighter, according to the report.
Police found a cigarette lighter in Shamma's apartment and latex gloves in a barbecue grill.
Estimated damage to the building was $2,145, according to the report.
The car fires happened Feb. 19, 2017, at the same apartment complex. Damage to a pickup was estimated at $8,500.
Prosecutors believe Shamma, based on statements he made, had a grudge against a woman he worked with at a local hospital and her husband, according to Sara Swearengin, deputy prosecutor. All three lived at the apartment complex.
Shamma is listed as a family practice physician.
The trial started Wednesday and concluded Friday afternoon.
NW News on 05/25/2019