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ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. -- Michael Kilbourn, a 37-year-old man from Otsego has pled guilty to third-degree arson for setting fire to a playground structure at Northside Park in Allegan County. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on September 2, when Kilbourn and his juvenile nephew set the wooden play structure ablaze. In exchange for his guilty plea, the court dropped additional charges against Kilbourn, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor and habitual offender fourth offense.
Kilbourn faces up to ten years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for October 27. According to court documents, Kilbourn instructed his nephew to stuff clothing into the playground structure and then light it on fire. The nephew, who is also charged with third-degree arson, admitted to starting the fire out of fear of his uncle.
The fire caused extensive damage to the east side of the playground, with estimated damages between $45,000 and $50,000. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze, preventing further destruction. Kilbourn turned himself in to the Allegan County Jail a week after the incident on unrelated charges.
Kilbourn's criminal history includes five prior felony convictions, such as breaking and entering, drug possession, and assault with a dangerous weapon. He is also awaiting sentencing on three other cases in Allegan County and a trial in St. Joseph County.