A Sheffield man who pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a string of arsons in Tidioute earlier this year will spend the next three years in state prison.

Nicholas C. Cochran, 24, was sentenced on Friday before Judge Gregory Hammond.

Cochran set seven vehicles ablaze, as well as the concession stand at the ballfield in Tidioute, during the arson spree on June 1. He was arrested in late July.

Assistant Public Defender Alan Conn said prior to sentencing that Cochran was “very sorry about what he’s done.” He acknowledged that Cochran has mental health issues and asked that a mental health evaluation be part of the court’s order.

While District Attorney Rob Greene agreed that Cochran has mental health issues, the similarities in their comments end there.

“He terrorized the town of Tidioute,” Greene said, and “created mass havoc in the town.”

He called for a total of $39,687.50 in restitution to be ordered by the court.

One of the victims came to the proceeding on Friday and addressed the court.

“This doesn’t happen in Tidioute,” the woman said. “My car what he set on fire was three feet from my house…. This could have been a disaster for us.”

She alleged that Cochran came to the home the following day and talked with them about the incident “knowing full well what he did.”

While the victim spoke, Cochran appeared to be looking at the floor but did shake his head at one point, indicating apparent disagreement with the victim’s statement.

“This has torn the town apart,” the victim continued. “This is a crime of stupidity. This was senseless.”

Hammond thanked her for her comments.

“Mr. Cochran violated the trust of Tidioute,” Greene continued, calling for a state prison sentence.

“The court needs to set an example (that) this does not happen in Warren County,” he added.

When Hammond asked Cochran for comment, he said, “No, your honor.”

“These are the types of crimes that baffle people,” Hammond said, indicating that Cochran did not benefit from the crime. “These are hard-working people, law-abiding people… when something like this happens they are suspicious, afraid.

Referencing the victim’s statement that Cochran returned to the scene the day after, Hammond said “creepy is the best word I can use.” He suggested that Cochran was “perhaps looking for sick enjoyment” in seeing how the vehicles burned.

Cochran was sentenced on seven counts of arson and one count of causing or risking catastrophe one count of arson for each vehicle set ablaze and the causing or risking catastrophe charge for torching the concession stand, which belongs to the borough of Tidioute.

Each arson charge brought a five- to 10-month state sentence, a $1,000 fine and no contact/no trespass orders. The restitution amount varied based on the restitution statements submitted by the victims. On the first arson count, he was ordered to pay $625 in additional fees and undergo DNA testing and a mental health evaluation and complete treatment. He was given credit for time served but is not boot camp or RRRI eligible.

The causing or risking catastrophe charge resulted in a two to four month prison sentence and $1,000 fine as well as a no contact/no trespass order regarding properties owned by the borough.

Hammond said the aggregate prison sentence is 37-74 months, as all the sentences are to be served consecutively.