Youth Gets Probation in Fallbrook Library Arson
The youth who pleaded guilty to torching the Fallbrook Public Library was placed on five years’ probation Thursday on condition that he undergo psychiatric therapy.
Superior Court Judge Donald Martinson suspended a four-year state prison term and ordered Darryl Ray Mick, 18, of Fallbrook to pay $3,000 in restitution. Mick, who is unemployed, could have received a six-year state prison term and a $10,000 fine.
Mick was ordered released from custody Thursday after spending nine months in jail since the April 1 fire, which caused an estimated $1 million in damage. More than 30,000 books were destroyed.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Susan Biery said Mick will undergo therapy with a Laguna Beach psychiatrist who specializes in treating arsonists.
Biery said her office, the Probation Department and defense attorney John Jimenez had urged the same sentence.
Mick pleaded guilty to arson on July 23; three other arson charges involving dumpster fires were dismissed.
Mick’s parents were among those in the crowded Vista courtroom at the sentencing.
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