STROUDSBURG – The caregiver for a well-liked retired businessman received the mandated life prison term for causing the man’s death.  Jack Bates, 81, semi-invalid and living alone in his Middle Smithfield township home, died in February 2008, a few days after the fire, which James Miller, 28, admitted setting. 

Miller was convicted in December, of involuntary manslaughter, arson in an occupied structure, and other crimes. 

Miller’s defense had noted Miller’s limited mental capacity and no prior criminal record.

Monroe County Court Judge Margherita Worthington noted she had no leeway because the state mandates nothing less than life without parole for a person convicted of killing another person in an arson fire. 

Miller admitted tossing a burning towel in an upstairs closet.  He claimed he led Bates out of the house but Bates went back inside to retrieve some items, and never came back out.

Police found bates unconscious.  He later died at the hospital.