Plea deal in works for man accused of torching Naperville squatter's tent
DuPage County prosecutors said Wednesday the "framework" of a plea agreement is in the works for the retired Chicago police sergeant accused of setting fire to a vacant tent belonging to a well-known Naperville squatter.
James Povolo, 73, of the 1300 block of Dartford Court, Naperville, is charged with arson and criminal damage to property. His jury trial is set for Nov. 28.
But prosecutors say a plea deal that may involve a sentence of second-chance probation and restitution in the form of a new tent and replacement belongings will be presented to Judge Liam Brennan for approval on Nov. 1.
The fire, set around 2 p.m. July 18, 2016, burned the tent of Scott Huber, who has been camping at various Naperville locations for nearly 16 years as part of a protest in which he blames the city for the loss of his business and home.
When asked Wednesday via social media if he would be satisfied with such a resolution to the case, Huber responded, "It is pending my final review!"
Prosecutors have said Povolo knew Huber was not inside when he ignited the tent just south of the Mobil gas station at Ogden Avenue and Naper Boulevard, destroying the tent and many of Huber's belongings.