Fake 911 Caller Gets 3-Year Sentence

Rickey Jones, 37, pleaded guilty to four counts of misdemeanor false informing stemming from calls in 2008.

After he was arrested in November 2008, Jones admitted making calls that claimed children were trapped in a burning building and that officers had been shot, among other things.

"I need the fire department at 2731 N. Baltimore fast. My house is on fire, and my son is in there and my baby is in there," Jones said in one of the recordings. "They cannot get out, and I can't get back in. The whole front of my house is on fire."

Prosecutors said Jones cost Marion County taxpayers more than $1 million in false emergency runs.

"Each time the fire apparatus rolls out of the firehouse for these particular types of runs, it is at the bare minimum $4,000," said Indianapolis police Lt. Scott Robinett.

Operators had recorded four separate calls from Jones, each reporting home fires that turned out to be bogus.

Jones refused to answer reporters' questions as he was led from court Thursday, but his attorney, Jeff Mendes, said his client has mental and substance abuse issues.

"He always wanted to be a fireman. I think he got a thrill from hearing the fire trucks whiz on by when he made these calls," Mendes said. "It's an unfortunate situation for him."

Chief Trial Deputy Prosecutor David Wyser said he was happy with the sentence.

"When you're having law enforcement and emergency personnel respond to false alarms, that creates a risk for the general public, as well as the officers and firefighters safety when they are out on the street," Wyser said.

Jones was also ordered to pay $16,000 in restitution to the fire department.