IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) -- The man charged with starting a fire at a South Point apartment complex has been found not guilty of the crime.

That was the verdict of the jury in trial of 27-year-old Johnny Sammons, Jr.

The early morning fire back on December 9 destroyed 2 apartments, including the apartment where Sammons and his family lived. Two adults and 2 children lived in the other apartment.

A grand jury indicted Sammons on 5 counts of arson in early March.

Sammons trial in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court began on Monday. The jury returned the not guilty verdict Tuesday.

Sammons testified in his own defense during the trial.

Sammons could have faced from three to 10 years on the first degree arson charges had he been convicted.