Man accused in 2014 meth fire pleas to lesser charge

knox county courthouseA Knox County judge sentenced a Galesburg man to two years of conditional discharge for unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a reduced charge to the Class X felony he initially faced.

28-year-old Richard Garza was arrested in July of last year along with 47-year-old Michelle Esp in reference to a meth fire that burned down a Kellogg Street home.

The duo was charged with unlawful participation in meth production, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

In exchange for Garza’s plea to possession of meth, the more serious charge was thrown out.

As part of his sentence, Garza is required to report to a probation officer for regular drug tests and is not allowed to take any illegal substances.

In response to a question from Judge Paul Mangieri, Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Kerr says Garza was not actually at the scene when the fire broke out, adding that the plea to a lesser charge was due to his intent to purchase meth and prior possession of the drug.

Esp was sentenced to drug court earlier this year for her involvement in the fire.

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