Rockford man convicted of role in arson at his ex-girlfriend’s home

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – A 26-year-old man has been sentenced for his role in a scheme that destroyed his ex-girlfriend’s car and damaged her home.

John Redwine Jr. is sentenced to eight years in prison for house fire, followed by one year of supervision. He pleaded guilty to the charges in August.

On September 3, 2023, Rockford firefighters were called to a car fire in the 1600 block of Virginia Avenue. They found a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix on fire in the driveway. Officials say the fire caused about $50,000 in damage.

The victim was identified as Redwine Jr.’s ex-girlfriend, and she was able to leave the house with her child and hide behind a neighboring garage for safety. She told authorities she saw two masked men running from the scene of the fire.

Investigators determined the fire was deliberately set and Redwine Jr. was named as a suspect.

According to the Winnebago County Prosecutor’s Office, Redwine Jr. was in custody. at the time of the Winnebago County Jail fire on domestic charges involving the victim. Detectives say they have found evidence that Redwine Jr. plotted with his family to take revenge on domestic violence allegations in the days leading up to the fire.

Two others charged in the case, Connie Gille and Joseph Pumilia, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges.

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