Utica Woman sentenced for Arson mocks Utica NY PD and Arson Task Force

20-year-old Ambur Fortney pleaded guilty to starting a West Utica residence on fire last Fourth of July. On Friday she blamed law enforcement for putting her in that position in the first place.

Before Ambur Fortney was sentenced in Oneida County Court to three to nine years in prison, she mocked the police and fire investigators who arrested her on arson charges.

Since her arrest, Fortney has continued to deny starting the fire at her boyfriend’s residence, 1122 Court St., up until the day she tearfully pleaded guilty to third-degree arson in January.

On Friday, Fortney’s previously weeping emotion appeared to be replaced by anger.

During her plea, Fortney admitted to intentionally starting the Court Street fire on July 4, 2008. But due to the nature of an Alford plea, Fortney was not required to elaborate on any circumstances surrounding the incident.

Utica Public Safety Commissioner Daniel LaBella stood by the work of the city’s police department and Arson Task Force, which was reinstated in the summer to counter a rash of intentionally set fires.

“A thorough investigation was conducted, which resulted in her guilty plea,” LaBella said. “It’s unfortunate that these comments were made, but the Utica Police Department and Arson Task Force will continue to protect the citizens from this type of crime.”

At sentencing, Dwyer strongly encouraged Fortney to get counseling while she in prison for any mental problems. Fortney said she would “pursue it,” which LaBella saw as a positive response.

“I hope she accepts the recommendation of counseling, and I wish her the best,” LaBella said.

Fortney entered an Alford plea based on the strong likelihood that she would be convicted after trial. If she had been found guilty, her punishment would have been much greater than what she was offered by Assistant District Attorney Robert Bauer, Fortney acknowledged at the time.

Before sentencing Fortney made this statement about the Utica Arson Task Force:

“All I want to say is I feel that the Utica Police Department and the Arson Task Force are a joke,” Fortney told Judge Michael L. Dwyer. “I think it’s unfair what happened to me, and being backed into a corner like this is ridiculous.”

Do you feel the Utica PD and Utica Arson Task Force rushed to conclusion on this case?