Man appeals conviction in fatal Fostoria blaze

12/18/2002

FOSTORIA - A man convicted in a July 4 fatal fire at a downtown rooming house has filed an appeal.

Attorney Gene Murray filed the appeal on behalf of Benjamin Greeno, 25, who was sentenced to nine years in prison for his involvement in the fire, which took two lives. The appeal, filed with the Third District Court of Appeals in Lima, claims Greeno's rights were violated when Judge Michael Kelbley of Seneca County Common Pleas Court allowed into evidence a taped interview of Greeno by investigators.

Mr. Murray had previously filed a motion to suppress the interview.

Greeno pleaded no contest in November to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and single counts of inducing panic and possession of crack cocaine. He also was convicted of criminal damaging or endangering, a first-degree misdemeanor.

After sentencing Greeno, Judge Kelbley released him without bond pending outcome of the appeal.