Staff report

WARREN — A Lorain man was sentenced Monday to seven to 10 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to setting a fire at a Braceville motel last year.

Justin Chill, 44, received an indefinite prison term Monday after admitting to two counts of aggravated arson in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court. He also was declared an arson offender, requiring him to register for life.

The Dec. 13, 2024, fire damaged Room 122 at the Budget Lodge off state Route 5. Motel staff extinguished the flames before firefighters arrived, according to reports.

Chill was arrested shortly afterward in the parking lot of a nearby Holiday Inn. At his April 15 plea hearing, Chill told Judge Ronald Rice he only vaguely remembered the incident, saying he was under the influence at the time. He expressed remorse for his actions.

The motel owners did not seek restitution. Chill’s sentencing includes potential parole eligibility after seven years.