Apr. 22—GRAND FORKS — A Grand Forks man changed his plea Monday, April 21, the day before he was scheduled to stand trial, and was sentenced to 10 years with five suspended for violent crimes including endangering others by starting a fire inside their residence.
James William Laducer Jr., 37, pleaded guilty to two counts of Class B felony endangering by fire or explosion, causing danger of death or bodily injury and showing extreme indifference. He also pleaded guilty to Class C felony preventing arrest and Class B misdemeanor domestic violence causing bodily injury.
One additional count of Class B felony endangering by fire was dismissed.
Law enforcement was dispatched to a reported domestic incident on Oct. 23, according to an affidavit filed in the case.
A woman told police Laducer had punched and kicked her, causing her to fall down the stairs. She was visibly pained and her neck appeared to be swelling, the affidavit said.
Laducer had started a fire inside the residence while the woman and her two children were inside, according to the affidavit. Law enforcement observed large amounts of smoke and found flames on the second story of the home.
Law enforcement handcuffed Laducer, who physically resisted but was ultimately arrested, the affidavit said.
He was sentenced Monday to 10 years with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with five suspended, leaving him five years to serve. He has credit for 180 days.
Upon release, he will begin three years of supervised probation.