An Ironton man will spend six years in prison after he pleaded guilty Wednesday to five counts of aggravated arson stemming from an apartment fire last year.

Daniel W. Jenkins, 43, of 603 N. Fifth St., told Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Charles Cooper he was sorry for what had happened.

“I apologize for the things I’ve done and these things in particular,” Jenkins said. “There are a lot of things I feel bad about. I wish I could undo the things I’ve done. Unfortunately I can’t. I’d like to apologize.”

Although no one was hurt in the fire, there were people in the building who could have been hurt, hence, the multiple counts of arson, a point made by Cooper in handing down the sentence.

“This was a very, very hazardous situation that resulted here. I think back to another similar incident in which three people died and the defendant was tried for capital murder. I don’t feel this is something habitual with you and that’s why I’m accepting this recommendation,” Cooper said.

He denied Jenkins’ request for a furlough before being sent to prison.

Also Wednesday, David Johnson, 31, of 100 Ridgeway St., Coal Grove, pleaded guilty to one count of attempt to commit felonious assault.

Cooper sentenced him to four years community control sanctions and ordered him to successfully complete a rehabilitation program at the STAR Community Justice Center. Johnson was ordered to stay away from his victim.

Assistant Lawrence County Prosecutor Bob Anderson said the victim was a family member who agreed with the sentence and that the restraining order may be modified in the future.

Johnson’s attorney, Mike Gleichauf, said substance abuse was a key factor in the incident.

“My client has had some previous scrapes with the law as a result of drinking. My client is a likeable individual. In speaking with other family members, he’s mild mannered until alcohol is involved,” Gleichauf said.