ORMA MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN ROANE ARSON CASE

(11/16/2009)
An Orma, Calhoun County man who admitted to setting fire to a Roane County house so the owners could collect insurance, will reportedly be testifying for the state when the homeowners go on trial, according to the Roane County Reporter/Times Record.

Ryan Dale Lambert, 31, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit arson.

Lambert admitted in court he set fire to a Clover couple's house in 2007 so they could collect insurance money.

The house belonged to Harold and Wilma Fellenstein of Clay Road.

Lambert told Judge Evans "I know what I did was wrong...I was associating with the wrong people."

Defense attorney Ernest Skaggs said that without Lambert's help, according to the Spencer Newspapers, the prosecution would not have a case against the Fellensteins.

Evans revealed Lambert's past record, which he said included two felonies, and his role in setting the fire. Lambert has battled mental health issues.

Judge Evans said Lambert would have to undergo an evaluation of up to 60 days by the state Dept. of Corrections.