The Binghamton man who admitted to causing a fire that destroyed a three-story apartment building in February was sentenced today in Broome County Court. 37-year-old Daniel Kauchis was sentenced to one to three years in prison. He was attempting to manufacture methamphetamine just before midnight on February 23rd when he caused an explosive fire at on Main Street that burned for close to a full day. Fifty tenants were displaced as a result of the fire.
Kauchis lived on the third floor of the building and suffered minor burns to his leg, face and hand following the explosion, and was charged while he was at Montrose Hospital. In July, Kauchis pleaded guilty to a felony count of arson and a misdemeanor count of reckless endangerment. It was recommended by the Broome County District Attorney’s Office that he spend up to three years in state prison for his crimes. The chemicals used to make the drugs were burned up in the fire according to authorities. Kauchis has been held in the Broome County Jail since his arrest.