Woman accused of starting fire at Mason City Family Aquatic Center sentenced to jail time, probation

MASON CITY — It’s a suspended jail sentence for a Mason City woman originally charged with arson after being accused of starting a fire at the Mason City Family Aquatic Center earlier this year.

The Mason City Fire Department was called at about 8:40 AM on August 1st to the center, where they found a small outside fire that was quickly extinguished. New graffiti was noted by firefighters along with liquids poured on the concrete.

47-year-old Erin Gansen was accused of starting a fire next to the door of the pool house entrance, also putting motor oil outside of the chemical house, and using super glue and putting it in the locks of the doors.

Gansen was arrested a short time after the incident and booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail on charges of first-degree arson, a Class B felony, as well as possession of marijuana and fourth-degree criminal mischief.

Gansen as part of a plea agreement pleaded guilty to the charges of reckless use of fire or explosives and fourth-degree criminal mischief, both charges being serious misdemeanors.

According to the terms of the plea deal, prosecutors recommended that Gansen be sentenced on the reckless use of fire charge to one year in jail with all but 21 days suspended and be placed on two years probation, receive a suspended one-year jail sentence on the criminal mischief charge, and pay restitution.

That recommendation was accepted by District Associate Judge Adam Sauer during a sentencing hearing held Wednesday in Cerro Gordo County District Court.