Former St. Anthony High School principal pleads no contest to arson

Daniel Ochoa accused of setting his car on fire

SAN ANTONIO – The former principal of St. Anthony High School accused of intentionally setting his late-model sports car on fire pleaded no contest Monday to arson.

Daniel Ochoa, who was also dean of preparatory services at the University of the Incarnate Word, had told authorities that he suspected the fire in his driveway Nov. 30, 2015, was set by vandals, according to a two-count indictment.

Ochoa torched his car in an effort to defraud his insurance company, but the fraud charge was dropped.

He was sentenced in connection with the arson charge.

"The state will recommend that the court defer adjudication of your guilt and place you on community supervision for four years," Senior District Judge Pat Priest told Ochoa.

Priest also ordered that Ochoa pay a $2,000 fine, $3,600 in restitution to USAA Insurance and perform 280 hours of community service. Priest also ordered a pre-sentencing investigation.

Ochoa will be formally sentenced Sept. 28.

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About the Author:

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.