MORRIS COUNTY, NJ – In a decisive judgment following a six-day trial, Shonette St. Clair, age 46 and formerly of Branchburg, NJ, was sentenced to 11 years in New Jersey State Prison on August 11, 2023. Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Wharton Borough Police Chief Dave Young made the announcement.
On June 7, 2023, a Morris County jury found St. Clair guilty of two counts of second-degree Aggravated Arson, second-degree Attempt to Cause Widespread Injury or Damage, and disorderly persons Simple Assault. St. Clair was found not guilty of fourth-degree Criminal Mischief.
The charges stem from an incident on March 8, 2021, when emergency responders were called to a residential fire on Joseph Lane in Mine Hill. Upon arrival, they discovered an active fire in a multi-unit townhome. One resident, who had escaped through a window, was taken to the hospital for treatment, including smoke inhalation.
Investigators determined the cause of the fire to be incendiary and identified four points of origin on the exterior of the residence. St. Clair was later identified as a suspect, and the investigation revealed her presence in the area at the time of the fire.
The Honorable Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C., handed down the 11-year sentence, with the first six years subject to parole ineligibility under the No Early Release Act.