Tucson businessman sentenced for chemical attack

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Posted 11:08 AM 3/4/2013 : Tucson businessman sentenced for chemical attack

TUCSON - A Tucson businessman convicted of planting explosive chemical devices outside a northwest side home will spend 12 years in prison.

U.S. District Court Judge Cindy Jorgensen handed down the sentence to Todd Fries Friday afternoon.

Fries, the owner of Burns Power Washing, told the judge before he was sentenced, he built the business from the bottom up. One of his contracts just so happened to be the federal courthouse where he was standing. About 20 supporters were in the courtroom to present letters telling the judge about Fries' outstanding reputation as a businessman, friend, and family member.

Five months ago, a jury convicted him of unlawful possession and use of chemical weapons and giving false information to the FBI.

Patty Wilson, was the company's bookkeeper.

She told News 4 Tucson, "He is not guilty that's what nobody seems to know. He is not guilty this is a respectful man the jury did not have all the facts the jury was hammered by the government who had four attorneys against one. The government has that kind of money this individual does not."

Myles and Karen Levine disagree. They were the victims. They say the FBI proved Fries put motor oil, paint, feces, and dead animals on their driveway. He also painted their driveway and house with graffiti using racial slurs. FBI agents found 37 firearms, explosives and a large sum of cash at Fries' home following his arrest. The agents testified they discovered books on revenge and recipes for making explosives at his home. The couple had a $200 dispute with the Fries.

Karen Levine says "I'm glad what he got I think the FBI get a great job." She added, "He didn't apologize to us."

Her husband Myles says, he wasn't remorseful because "He never said he was guilty so there was nothing for him to say he was sorry about."

The couple told Judge Jorgenson they suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and are undergoing counseling.

They say their lives will never be the same.

Later this month, there is a restitution hearing, and next month there is another trial.