LITTLE ROCK — A Waldron man charged in an attack on an interracial married couple’s home pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court just before his trial was to begin.
Gary Don Dodson, 32, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deny civil rights, possession of an unregistered firearm or destructive device, and interfering with housing due to race.
His attorney, Steven Ray Davis of North Little Rock, said later he expects his client to be sentenced to 15 years in prison.
“I think he must have decided it was a pretty good deal for him,” Davis said. “The deal was on the table (Tuesday) and he wanted to think about it overnight.”
A jury was selected Tuesday to hear the case before U.S. District Judge Bill Wilson. Dodson had faced up to 40 years in prison and $750,000 fine if convicted of all charges. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 6.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Three other people charged in the attack, and another woman accused of trying to cover up the crime, have also pleaded guilty.
State and federal law enforcement officials said Dodson and three other men plotted to firebomb an interracial couple’s home in Hardy on Jan. 14. Authorities said some of the men threw bottles filled with gasoline, known as Molotov cocktails, at the home. The residence caught fire, but no one was at home at the time.
Jake Murphy, 19, of Waldron, and Dustin Hammond, 20, of Hardy, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with the housing rights of another and interference with the housing rights of another. They each were sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison.
Jason Walter Barnwell, 37, of Evening Shade, previously pleaded guilty to civil rights conspiracy, use of a fire in commission of a felony and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Wendy Treybig, 37, of Evening Shade, previously pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for trying to cover up the crime.
Sentencing hearings for Barnwell and Treybig have yet to be held.
Authorities said Dodson drove Barnwell, Murphy and Hammond to the couple’s house and the three passengers threw Molotov cocktails at the couple’s home.
The federal indictment contended the attack occurred because Barnwell apparently was upset with the husband, who is black, because Barnell thought the man had made a disrespectful comment to Treybig, Barnwell’s girlfriend.