Leader of Dallas Arson Scam Ring Gets 20 Years

Prosecutors say the leader of a Dallas arson ring that scammed the Red Cross has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

A federal judge on Thursday sentenced 37-year-old Marthella Broadus and ordered her to make more than $1.7 million in restitution. Broadus last May pleaded guilty to wire fraud and arson in an investigation of three home fires since late 2008.

Investigators say Broadus was the last of seven Dallas residents to plead guilty and be sent to prison.

Authorities say the individuals removed personal property from the residences before the fires were set, then sought financial help from the Red Cross.