A Columbiana woman was sentenced to as many as 4-and-a-half years in prison for what the Columbiana County Prosecutor described as a "whiskey-fueled" arson at a home on Christmas Eve 2022.

Sarah A. Bowker, 56, was sentenced Friday in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court by Judge Megan Bickerton. Bowker pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree felony aggravated arson during her jury trial, which began Feb. 18.

Prosecutors said Bowker, who was intoxicated, set fire to furniture in the Metz Road residence after an argument with her boyfriend. State Fire Marshal’s Office investigators testified that they found a propane torch near two empty Jack Daniel's whiskey bottles in the garage.

Bowker initially pleaded not guilty, but midway through the trial, she changed her plea. When Judge Bickerton asked if she wished to continue with the jury trial, Bowker said, “There’s no point.”

Bowker was sentenced to an indefinite term of three to four and a half years for one count of aggravated arson and two to three years for the second count. The sentences are to be served concurrently.

Upon her release, Bowker will be subject to five years of post-release control. She was also ordered to pay the costs of the court action, with collection stayed until her release from prison.

Bowker is now considered an arson offender and must register with the sheriff in the county where she establishes residency, a requirement that lasts for her lifetime with annual re-enrollment.