NORWICH – There were appearances in Chenango County Court on Monday for arraignments, restitution review, and violation of probation.
• Kimberly M. Koster, 39, Coventry, appeared in court for review of her restitution account. In February of 2011, Koster was sentenced by Judge Sullivan to one to three years of incarceration and restitution to in the amount of $5,000, as well as a surcharge of $250. While she has served the appropriate amount of time, no time frame for payment was set by the court. As a result, to date no restitution has been paid though this is no fault of Koster's, explained Honorable Judge Frank Revoir, Jr. In court on Monday she agreed to a payment schedule as outlined by Revoir, rather than holding an official hearing to determine restitution.
Koster agreed to pay $150 a month starting in September 2014 until fully paid, which should take 35 consecutive months.
In 2011, Koster pleaded guilty to third degree arson, a C class felony. She and two other co-defendants were originally indicted for third degree arson, a class C felony; and fourth degree conspiracy, an E class felony, after they allegedly collaborated in burning down the Kosters’ Coventry home.
According to an Evening Sun article published on Aug. 13, 2010, the fire occurred when Koster's two-story home was found ablaze. The house and all of the possessions inside were destroyed because of the fire.
“I poured the gasoline on the floor, and then I went over and babysat my grandson,” Koster said.
Koster's daughter and co-defendant, Chelsie Koster, participated in the incident, as well as another relative. Per Chelsie Koster’s indictment, she participated in the incident “by starting a fire when she intentionally lit a match and placed it on a pile of clothes inside the residence.”
The article also cited Assistant District Attorney Michael D. Ferrarese as saying Koster collected approximately $5,000 in homeowner’s insurance from a Broome County provider just prior to her arrest. He said both defendants would be responsible for paying the amount back. Koster admitted that she did discuss with her stepfather and daughter about setting the home on fire.
