Brockton Man Pleads Guilty in Church Fire Case

BROCKTON, MA — A Brockton man will spend time in a state prison after admitting to starting a fire that caused damage to a Brockton church.

Friday, Kevin Gannon, 55, pleaded guilty in Plymouth County Superior Court to arson of a building and burning of property, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney's office. Gannon was sentenced to three to four years in a state prison and five years of probation. Gannon was acquitted of a witness intimidation charge.

On May 29, 2015, Brockton police and fire responded to a dumpster fire at the Central United Methodist Church on West Elm Street. The fire spread from the dumpster to a tree, which scorched the side of the church and melted a plexi-glass window in the church, the DA's office said.

An investigation concluded that the fire was arson and several witnesses said Gannon was standing near the trash area prior to the fire. Surveillance video also showed that Gannon was in the area.

Gannon was indicted on July 31, 2015. His guilty plea makes him eligible as a habitual offender because he was convicted of a crime and has been previously convicted and sentenced to state prison.

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Information in this article was provided by the Plymouth County District Attorney's office.