Setting relative's home ablaze + trying to bomb another = 15 years in prison

SEATTLE -- A Florida man who used firebombs and a torch to threaten family members over an unpaid debt has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Back in April, 54-year-old Sang Ngoc Ung pleaded guilty to the charges. He admitted to setting his relative's Seattle home on fire last June.

According to case records, family members had paid Ung some of the $20,000 he claimed he was owed, but Ung reportedly continued to threaten them.

Ung moved from Florida to the Seattle area in May of 2013.

He was seen arguing with relatives just a day before fire ripped through the home, according to court documents. The homeowner's adult children and a friend escaped the home through a wind and the garage.



Investigators said they went to a second home associated with the family and found a "destructive device" that had not ignited.

In July of 2013, Ung returned to Seattle.

Seattle police and ATF agents took him into custody. Officers said he had a firearm in his possession when he was taken into custody. Ung reportedly told them he also had the gun when he committed the crimes.

“This defendant earned every day of this sentence.  He  attempted to rule his victims through fear and violence,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  “He endangered not just his targeted victims, but those who live nearby and all first responders.”