By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
A few words came to mind when Judge Sean Leuthold tried to describe Travis Hancock’s actions in May, but he soon realized that there were no words to completely convey the act of arson Hancock committed.
The 27-year-old Hancock, of Bucyrus pleaded guilty to aggravated arson, a first-degree felony, and received a 10-year prison sentence. The penalty for the crime also included five years on mandatory post-release control and being designated an arson offender with lifetime mandatory reporting. Hancock will also have to pay restitution to the victim at Bucyrus Plaza in an amount to be determined.
Hancock’s attorney, Joel Spitzer, said his client’s actions on May 30 stemmed from the relationship between Hancock and the mother of his child. Though the woman and Hancock’s child were not present at the time that Hancock started a fire in the apartment, other people were at home in connected units.
Spitzer said his client was remorseful.
“He made a very, very poor decision and he understands that,” said Spitzer.
Leuthold, however, summed up that night in a more succinct way: Hancock had relationship problems, got drunk, and started a fire in the apartment.
“That is absolutely insane to do something as foolish as that,” Leuthold said. “You’re lucky you’re sitting here with a 10-year sentence.”
He added that if the fire got out of control and led to deaths, Hancock’s sentence would be much different. Leuthold described the events as reckless and selfish and warned Hancock to stay away from alcohol.
“When you get out your number one job should be being a good father,” Leuthold said before dismissing Hancock from the courtroom. “You’re going to owe him a lot from this.”
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