Man admits arson, sentenced to prison

A Fostoria man was sentenced to prison Tuesday afternoon after admitting he committed arson. Harold L. Black, 41, pleaded guilty to a charge of arson, a fourth-degree felony, during a hearing in Seneca County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Kelbley's courtroom. Kelbley followed the recommendation and sentenced Black to 14 months in prison. Black has served 62 days. Seneca County Prosecutor's Office agreed not to oppose a properly filed motion for judicial release if there are no unfavorable reports and if Black serves 90 days in prison, undergoes assessments for mental health, anger management and substance abuse and completes all recommended services. Black must register as an arson offender and pay $2,100 in restitution. He declined to speak before sentencing. Fostoria Police Department had responded to a report of a vehicle fire at 818 E. Fremont St. on Nov. 14, according to court records. Black said that due to his frustration over a failed relationship with the mother of his son, he committed arson using a Mountain Dew bottle filled with a gasoline mixture from his garage weed-eater, court records state.