Sports grill owner admits setting fire

ST. GEORGE — The owner of the Gridiron Sports Grill has pleaded guilty to arson in the Jan. 15 fire at the Promenade Shopping Center, where his business was located.

Randall David Stewman, 30, pleaded guilty to the second-degree felony Wednesday and faces a maximum sentence of one to 15 years in prison and an $18,500 fine.

Prosecutor Paul Dame said the fire was started on the roof of the Promenade.

He said investigators found a hole had been cut in the roof of the Gridiron Sports Grill and a fuse was inserted through the hole and connected to gas-filled containers in surrounding businesses' air conditioning ducts.

He said Stewman admitted setting up the fuse with intent to burn part of the shopping center, including his own business.

Fifth District Judge G. Rand Beacham scheduled sentencing for March 7. The sentence will be handed down by Judge James L. Shumate because Beacham represented the developer of the shopping center several years ago.