UPDATE: Second Accomack Co. arsonist sentenced

With convicted Eastern Shore arsonist Tonya Bundick officially sentenced for all remaining counts against her, prosecutors wasted no time getting her co-defendant, Charles Smith, back into the courtroom.

Judge Glenn Tyler sentenced him to fifteen years behind bars for 68 counts related to the five-month arson spree on Thursday. This comes just three days after his co-defendant and ex-fiancée, Tonya Bundick, received 17.5 years behind bars for a smaller number of counts and an alford plea.

“I’m pleased that he got less time than Miss Bundick,” says Gary Agar, Accomack County Commonwealth Attorney.

The reason, according to Agar, is Smith’s cooperation through the legal system.

“There would have only been two counts brought against Tonya Bundick had it not been for the cooperation of this defendant, and after that testimony was secured, then an additional 62 counts were brought against her.”

Smith also admitted his guilt in October of 2013, and in both of her trials, he testified.

“I think the community is going to be pleased that she is spending more time than he is after they understand the structure of her defense and his acceptance of responsibility,” says Agar.

However, Accomack residents who spoke with 47 ABC, do not understand.

“I think it’s terrible because then they’ll be out, God knows what else they’ll do,” says Carolyn White, of Accomack County. “I’m a victim of Hurricane Sandy. My insurance had to rent me a house until mine was repaired. I used to get up at three in the morning and go ride by my house to make sure they didn’t burn it down.”

“I think that there’s a little injustice there and I thought maybe that they would at least get the same amount,” says Kim Mills, a Parksley resident.

Agar says both Bundick and Smith can appeal. Currently, an appeal is pending for Bundick’s first two trials.

Until that does or does not happen, there is one thing many can agree on — relief that it’s over.

“It’s put to rest,” says Mills.