Tad Patrick Moore, 48, was sentenced to state prison today on two felony counts of arson and a misdemeanor count of evading arrest according to Madera County District Attorney Michael R. Keitz.

Moore, a transient, was convicted by a Madera Superior Court jury Jan. 16. During his trial, Senior Deputy District Attorney Mary Thornton presented evidence that Moore was seen on the afternoon of July 5, 2012, near a grassland fire east of Highway 41, north of the 22 Mile House area. Cal Fire investigators determined the fire was caused by arson. When Cal Fire personnel approached Moore to talk with him, he ran away.

The following day in the afternoon, another grass fire was set off of Highway 41 and Yosemite Springs Parkway. Cal Fire alerted the Madera Sheriff's Office when they sighted Moore in the area. A deputy located Moore who then ran but, was quickly apprehended. When he was caught, Moore smelled of smoke and had blackened hands indicating his presence at the fires. He later admitted to setting them.

Monday, March 4, the court sentenced Moore to five years and four months in state prison.

"Arson is a heinous crime that destroys property, lives and the environment," Keitz said. "Sentencing Moore to state prison brings justice to this case and helps safeguard the public.