Grayson County men sentenced in 2010 arson

Two Grayson County men have received 10-year sentences for their roles in a November 2010 arson case.

Russell Mercer, 64, was sentenced Jan. 22 while Tom Lashley, 46, was sentenced Thursday in Grayson Circuit Court. Both men were found guilty of second-degree arson.

Mercer hired Lashley, his former brother-in-law, to burn some property Nov. 10, 2010, according to a news release from Kentucky State Police Post 4.

Police said Mercer promised Lashley he would pay the man a portion of the claim money he collected from the insurance company.

KSP Post 4 Arson Detective Terry Scott led the investigation and was assisted by Chris Crawford of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.