A man who pleaded guilty to causing a power outage that affected thousands of Estrella residents last summer could get up to 16 years in prison. In an effort to maximize the sentence, Goodyear police want victims to write letters to the judge or testify at David Limas' sentencing.
"We want to hear from anyone who was severely affected by this crime, whether financially or due to physical hardship," said John Rowan, Goodyear police spokesman.
A citizen's tip led detectives to 28-year-old Limas in July. The Avondale resident admitted he set fire to a utility pole, causing a power outage for more than 14 hours to almost 5,000 Goodyear homes June 16, 2007, according to court records. The customers were without electricity from shortly after midnight until the next afternoon or evening, when temperatures reached a high of 115 degrees.
Limas made several incriminating statements to police, "one of which was that he knocked down the pole because he enjoyed seeing the sparks," Rowan said.
Limas pleaded guilty in Maricopa County Superior Court to one count of aggravated criminal damage, a Class 3 felony, Nov. 6. Judge Margaret Mahoney is set to hand down his sentence Dec. 8.
Limas has a criminal record, including arrests for drug possession, and is on probation for copper theft and burglary in Goodyear.
Testimony from victims is essential, Rowan said. Goodyear police are prepared to take victims who want to testify to the court.
"We want to stress the negative hardship that this community felt as a result of the crime," Rowan said. "We'd like letters, but we're also looking to transport a dozen or so victims to the sentencing."
Victims can write letters of testimony directly to Judge Margaret Mahoney, Maricopa County Superior Court, Central Court Building, 13A, 201 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ, 85003-2243, or drop their letters at Starpointe Residence Club, at Estrella Parkway and Elliot Road, before Dec. 8.
Anyone wanting transportation can call Detective Sgt. Troy Castillo at 623-882-7457; the group plans to meet at 7 a.m. at Starpointe.
Rebecca I. Allen can be reached by e-mail at rallen@westvalleyview.com.
