Altoona Mirror: Prison term turned his life around

Article by Kay Stephens of Altoona Mirror

HOLLIDAYSBURG — An Altoona man convicted of setting multiple fires in the 1990s told a Blair County judge this week that 22 years in prison has reformed him.

Christopher Michael Rodland, 44, who now lives in the Harrisburg area, apologized for what he described as “careless, dangerous decisions” he made years ago.

Rodland stood before Senior Judge Jolene G. Kopriva for resentencing in five of his criminal cases with arson convictions, based on a state Superior Court ruling that deemed his sentences in those cases were invalid for lack of restitution amounts.

Pittsburgh attorney Lynn Ellenberger, who is representing Rodland in those appeals, said she is hoping that Rodland’s efforts can be recognized in the pursuit of a resolution.

“That would be in the best interest for the Commonwealth and the taxpayers, in light of the person he has become,” she said.

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