Man Used Face Mask To Frame Ex-Girlfriend In Arson Plot

A Clermont County man accused of creating an elaborate scheme to burn down his own house and frame his girlfriend will not face and jail or prison time.

In 2019, Paul Hicks was indicted on six felonies, including two counts of aggravated arson, three counts of perjury and an insurance fraud charge.

Last week, Clermont County prosecutors offered him a plea deal. Hick pleaded no contest and was found guilty on a misdemeanor insurance fraud charge. He was sentenced to community control.

The case dates back to 2015, the year of the fire on Stumpy Lane in Goshen. The fire was caught on home security cameras, from the first blast to the flames spreading from the kitchen and into the living room.

Prior to the fire, cameras also captured two people entering the home carrying gas cans. They can be seen removing two large TVs and dousing the inside of the house.