June 10, 2004

Marco Flores sentenced for Pioneer arson fire
Former student to serve one year in county jail

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

On Tuesday, 19-year-old Marco Flores was sentenced to one year in county jail for setting fire to Pioneer High School last November. His time will be served in a boot camp, with credit for having already served 90 days.
“I read with some interest the sentencing of Marco,” says Pioneer drama teacher Steve Dini. “While I believe the sentence is light, I am holding onto the hope that he will use this experience as a wake-up call and get his life back on track.”

Flores and a juvenile friend admitted to setting the blaze that raged through the school’s performing arts center (PAC), causing over $1 million in damage. Both admit to being drunk at the time.

Flores could have received up to eight years, but was given a lighter sentence as he had no criminal record and didn’t intentionally set out to destroy the school.

According to prosecutor Tom Farris, the two set fire to a school bulletin board near the entrance to the PAC, and also ignited paper under a nearby vending machine. Although clearly arson, he attested to the fact that it was simply a reckless act.

Flores’ sentence comes on the heels of a no-contest plea during a hearing on May 14. The juvenile pleaded guilty to felony arson in December.