Five plead guilty in Collingwood Boulevard home fire case

9/21/2017

Five of the six people charged with setting fire to a Collingwood Boulevard home to collect insurance proceeds entered guilty pleas Thursday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Tazhianna Dean, 22, of the 2800 block of Kendale Dr.; Marcus Cosper, 24, of the 2000 block of Clinton St.; Matthew Merriweather, 44, of the 3200 block of Collingwood Boulevard, and Jennifer Parkhurst, 53, also of the 3200 block of Collingwood each pleaded guilty to insurance fraud.

Jamel Gaines, 29, of the 2300 block of Chestnut Street pleaded guilty to complicity to aggravated arson, insurance fraud, and trafficking in heroin.

Gaines, who prosecutors said arranged the scheme, faces up to 11 years in prison when he is sentenced Nov. 21 by Judge Ian English, while the others face up to 18 months in prison for insurance fraud, a fourth-degree felony. As part of a plea agreement, additional charges of aggravated arson are to be dismissed at the time of sentencing.

Prosecutors said the group conspired to set fire to 3235 Collingwood Blvd. Feb. 9 in order to collect on insurance policies. The fire caused an estimated $40,000 in damage to the structure and $10,000 to the contents.

Also charged in the case is Brittnee Messano, 32, of the 3200 block of Collingwood Boulevard whose case is set for trial Monday. Charges previously were dismissed against Anthony Jones, 22, in the case.

Contact Jennifer Feehan at jfeehan@theblade.com or 419-213-2134.