After a Fulton County Court found him guilty of various counts of arson, insurance fraud, grand larceny, reckless endangerment, and conspiracy, Jeffrey Alnutt argued on appeal that his conviction hadn't been based on legally sufficient evidence.
But on its review of the record, the Appellate Division, Third Department, found a whole host of problems with Alnutt's position.
Among other things, the expert testimony established that the apartment had "unusual burn patterns," which suggested that the blaze hadn't been accidental. Alnutt was also observed wearing a ring which he had advised his insurer had been lost in the inferno, and, submitted claims for lost rent--when no true tenancy relationship existed.
That along with the testimony of a co-conspirator (his son-in-law), who asserted that Alnutt had hatched the entire scheme for the purpose of collecting the insurance money, led the AD3 to affirm the outcome in its entirety.
Lots of sparks there.
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: People v. Alnutt