LONG BEACH : Owner Who Burned Store in Riots Gets Probation

A man convicted of torching his Long Beach market during the riots was sentenced Thursday to five years probation and 1,000 hours of community service.

Jack Stout, 59, faced up to eight years imprisonment, and prosecutors argued that he should spend at least a year in County Jail.

“I certainly could justify putting you in custody,” Superior Court Judge Michael Tynan told Stout. “I’m not going to do that because I’ve had an opportunity to observe you for a lengthy period of time,” he said. “I think you’re a pretty decent guy.”

The father and son owners of Eddie’s Market were originally charged with one count of arson during an emergency with additional firearms allegations. During the trial, Tynan reduced the charge to the unlawful causing of a fire. Stout, who says he is bankrupt, must also pay $10,000 restitution. His 36-year-old son, Bryan, was acquitted.

The store was set afire April 30, 1992, at the height of rioting in Los Angeles. Civil unrest swept the area after four police officers were acquitted on all but one charge in the beating of Rodney G. King.

The judge said he understood prosecution arguments that Stout was irresponsible for starting a fire when firefighters were desperately needed elsewhere. But he did not think Stout was a danger to the community.