Man admits to arson in ND-BG's fieldhouse fire

The devastation inside the Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons field house in October.

SCHENECTADY — The man accused of setting fire to the Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons field house in October, an act that rallied the community in support of the school’s athletic teams, has pleaded guilty, prosecutors said.

Shameek McDuffie, 19, of Schenectady, pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of third-degree arson. The plea came ahead of a scheduled Thursday hearing in the case.

McDuffie is to receive between 16 months and 4 years in state prison at his June sentencing, prosecutor Michael DeMatteo said.

McDuffie was accused of breaking into the field house early Oct. 21, taking cash and gift cards and setting the structure on fire. Police also charged two others — Joseph Riordan, 18, and Francis Civitello, 17, both of Schenectady — in connection with other aspects of the case.

Riordan pleaded guilty in January to a burglary charge filed in connection with the fire. He faces up to six months in jail and five years on probation at his June sentencing, DeMatteo said. Civitello faced only a misdemeanor criminal mischief count. The status of that case could not be determined.

The fire destroyed much of the school’s athletic equipment, severely damaged the field house and spurred a communitywide effort to ensure the school’s joint football team could take the field the next day for its first-ever playoff game.

Athletic director Patrick Moran has estimated total damage at $400,000 to $500,000.

McDuffie’s sentence is also to include an order of restitution to the school for out-of-pocket expenses, DeMatteo said.

McDuffie formally admitted Thursday to intentionally damaging the building by starting a fire. The fire began in the field house’s locker room.

DeMatteo said the plea agreement for McDuffie took into account the damage done and McDuffie’s age.

“We took everything into consideration,” DeMatteo said. “We spoke to the school regarding what their thoughts were, and we took all that into account when we came up with this offer.”

McDuffie was represented by attorney Steve Signore, who called the plea “a very fair disposition under the circumstances.”

“I don’t doubt that he’s remorseful,” Signore added.

Judge Matthew Sypniewski presided over the case.

The process of restoring the school’s athletic teams to their former home is underway. The old fieldhouse has been demolished, and the foundation for a new one has been poured.

Framing of the building is to start Monday, and the teams should be ready to move in in July, Holy Trinity football coach John Barber said. Holy Trinity is a joint NDBG-Catholic Central squad.

Barber said he’s happy the criminal cases are nearing conclusion. The school’s players, he said, are looking forward to getting into their new home.

“It’s going well,” Barber said. “The kids are focused, and they can’t wait for the season to get here.”