A Severna Park resident has been sentenced following a guilty plea for first-degree arson in connection with a fire that destroyed an unoccupied home in April. Aaron Marshall Keel, 60, was sentenced yesterday to 20 years with all but 18 months suspended, as reported by the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office. Keel will serve time in the Anne Arundel County Detention Center, having waived credit for 169 days already served. Judge Richard Trunnell's ruling also includes a mandate for Keel to subsequently follow a five-year probation period and meet several other conditions.
Under the terms of the probation, Keel is to pay $1,000 in restitution, a sum intended to compensate for the homeowners' insurance deductible, according to the press release from the State's Attorney's Office. The sentence additionally obligates him to actively participate in mental health and anger management treatment. Keel must also avoid contact with the victims, whose peace of mind was severely impacted. The plea agreement also placed harassment charges, which predated the arson, on the stet docket, effectively rendering them inactive unless activated by the court.
The incident occurred on the 13th of April, when investigators were dispatched after the Anne Arundel County Fire Department received a call about a residential structure fire. Through surveillance and retail footage, authorities were able to quickly identify Keel as a suspect. Investigations revealed that he had purchased a red gas can and a pump sprayer the day before the incident, which were believed to have been used in the arson.
The investigation was a collective effort by the Anne Arundel County Police Department, Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Annapolis City Fire investigators, and an explosive ordnance disposal unit. Assistant State’s Attorney April Skrenczuk represented the State and expressed hope for the victims' recovery following this event.
