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(Cleveland)- William Calderwood has been sentenced to three years in prison Wednesday on one count of burglary.

He could have received up to five years in prison for taking copper piping and appliances from a West 83rd Street house. Calderwood's Attorney Patrick Leneghan says his client thought the home was vacant and took the items to give to the homeless.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Robert Botnick says he's happy with the sentence. "He felt he was above the law and could do whatever he wanted," says Botnick. He also hopes it sends a message to other scrappers trying to make a quick buck.

"Just because someone isn't living in a house doesn't mean it's unoccupied. Under the law, as long as the utilities are on it is an occupied structure and people need to be convicted for taking advantage of these homes," says Botnick.

Calderwood was acquitted on 56 counts of arson last week in connection with a massive explosion that rocked West 83rd Street January 25th, destroying three homes and damaging dozens more. Jurors said they didn't have enough evidence.

Calderwood has a criminal history. An arson conviction in 1984 in Detroit and another in Warren, Michigan both he was sentenced to probation. In the late 70's Calderwood served time in prison for another arson.

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