A federal court jury in Johnstown today convicted Terri Miller of setting a fire that injured 20 firefighters and caused more than $1 million in damage.
The jurors deliberated about eight hours before finding Ms. Miller guilty of arson and four counts of solicitation to commit arson.
They found that Ms. Miller, 40, set fire to Miller Pools and Spas on Dec. 16, 2002. The business, in Richland, Cambria County, was owned by Don Miller, the man she was engaged to and eventually married.
Special Agent John Hageman of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said her motive was money. With insurance proceeds from the fire, she would pay off Don Miller's former wife in a divorce settlement. Don Miller was not charged.
Four employees of Miller Pools testified that Ms. Miller offered them between $5,000 and $10,000 each to set the fire. They refused.
Ms. Miller faces up to 10 years in prison on the arson conviction and 20 years on the four solicitation convictions.
