Richard Tillman, 44, has admitted in federal court that he set the fire that gutted the lobby of San Jose’s Almaden Valley post office last summer, a stunning end to months of legal wrangling over the high-profile case.
Tillman pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in San Jose to one count of malicious destruction of government property by fire in connection with the July blaze. The plea sets a sentencing date of April 27, which could leave him behind bars for years, depending on how the judge weighs the federal guidelines.
He entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila, according to The Mercury News, which reported that the change-of-plea hearing took place in San Jose federal court and confirmed the late April sentencing date.
What Prosecutors Say Happened
Federal charging documents paint a dramatic and carefully staged scene. Prosecutors say Tillman bought fireplace “insta-logs” and lighter fluid, scattered the logs inside his vehicle, then backed the car into the post office lobby before setting the contents on fire. He allegedly spray-painted “Viva La Me” on the building and livestreamed the whole episode…