Thursday the Barry County Prosecutor’s Office issued Arson charges against Keigan Sochor, age 21 of Hastings, in connection with the building fire that occurred on October 7, 2020.  The Royal Coach Building burned to the ground and is a total loss. Mr. Socher is charged as follows:

 

Count 1:  Arson-Third Degree, MCL 750.74, a felony carrying a maximum possible penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $20,000 or three times the value of the property, whichever is greater.

 

Count 2:  Preparation to Burn Property-$20,000.00 or more, MCL 750.79(1)(d)(1), a felony carrying a maximum possible penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $15,000 or three times the value of the property, whichever is greater.

 

Count 3:  Entry Without Breaking with Intent, MCL 750.111, a felony carrying a maximum possible penalty of 5 years in prison or a fine of $2,500.00

 

Count 4:  Entry Without Breaking with Intent, MCL 750.111, a felony carrying a maximum possible penalty of 5 years in prison or a fine of $2,500.00

 

Habitual Offender- Second Offense Notice, MCL 769.10

 

Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt commended Officer Alan Klein and the Hastings City Police Department for their commitment to this ongoing criminal investigation, as well as the responding fire departments for their valiant efforts to save the Royal Coach Building and the adjacent properties and for keeping our community safe.

 

Mr. Sochor was arraigned Thursday in Barry County District Court.  Sochor’s bond is set at $250,000.00 cash or surety.  A Probable Cause Conference is set for Wednesday October 28, 2020 at 8:15am in Hastings District Court before the Hon. Michael Schipper.