The homeless man who admitted to setting a string of fires in Greenwood last year was sentenced to 30 years behind bars this morning. Our newspaper partner the Seattle Times was in court when 47-year-old Kevin Swalwell took the plea deal.  Swalwell apologized and blamed his actions on mental illness.

Ten fires were set in Greenwood, including the four businesses that went up in flames on October 23. Green Bean Coffee House, C.C. Teriyaki, Szechuan Bistro and Pho Tic Tac were all housed in the Eleanor Roosevelt Building that burned.

(Photo of Kevin Swalwell courtesy of The Seattle Times.)

The homeless man accused of setting the string of fires in Greenwood last year changed his plea this morning. Our newspaper partner the Seattle Times was in court today when 47 year old Kevin Swalwell pleaded guilty to 11 arson charges and one count of second-degree burglary.

10 fires were set in Greenwood, including the four businesses that went up in flames on October 23.  Green Bean Coffee House, C.C. Teriyaki, Szechuan Bistro and Pho Tic Tac were all housed in the Eleanor Roosevelt Building that burned.  Swalwell now faces a sentence of 30 years behind bars.