Grafton Arsonist Sentenced

Joseph E. Mullen, who was arrested in January after a confession that he burnt down a Grafton home, pleaded guilty on Friday in Worcester Superior Court and was sentenced to five years, according to The Grafton Daily Voice.

Mullen, who is 30, confessed to burnning down the home of Robert and Kathy Benoit.

He was sentenced to five years with no parole on one count of arson. Mullen was also given five years probation for breaking and entering.

Neighbors of the Benoits had also spearheaded an effort to bring charges of animal cruelty; two dogs and cat perished in the fire.

The animal cruelty charges, as well as possession of a burglary tool, were dismissed, according to the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.