Former employee sentenced to 10 years in commercial building arson case

Richard Gary Crosby \ Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office

WHITFIELD COUNTY — A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to arson at a commercial building.

According to the Conasauga Judicial Circuit, Richard Gary Crosby, a former employee of the business, was captured on surveillance entering the building without permission and setting the fire.

Investigators later determined gasoline had been used as an accelerant.

Following his plea, Judge Poston sentenced Crosby to 10 years in prison for the arson charge and a consecutive five years on probation for the burglary charge.

He was also ordered to pay a fine, perform community service, and make restitution to the building owner.

“Crosby’s successful prosecution resulted from the combined efforts of the Dalton Police Department, the Dalton Fire Department, and the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire,” said DA Kenemer. “Their work to determine the cause of the fire and identify the person responsible helped bring this case to a successful conclusion. We appreciate their efforts to protect the lives and livelihoods of Whitfield County residents.”