VENTURA : Man Gets 13 Years for Setting Fires

A former Oxnard man convicted of setting a series of fires in downtown Ventura in October--including one that caused $240,000 damage to the local chapter of the American Red Cross--was sentenced to the maximum term of 13 years in prison Thursday.

Ronald K. Sneed, 49, acting as his own attorney, asked Judge Charles R. McGrath to grant him probation. “I don’t see what prison would do,” Sneed said. “It’s totally inappropriate in this case.”

Deputy Dist. Atty. Roger A. Inman said Sneed poses a “substantial danger to society.” He asked the judge for an 11-year sentence.

McGrath, however, went further, giving Sneed the maximum prison sentence allowed by law. He agreed that Sneed was dangerous and added that he had shown no remorse.

Sneed vowed to continue the legal fight that has already included two jury trials--one on his mental competency, and another on the charges. “I’m obviously appealing everything in any way I can,” he told the judge in the sighing monotone that characterized his courtroom style.

After McGrath pronounced sentence, Sneed asked for a clarification on the time that he has already served: 305 actual days and 152 days for good behavior.

“What does that actually add up to being?” he asked the judge.

“You’ve got 13 years to add it up,” McGrath replied.