(File Photo) Firefighters work to put out the fire at Marietta College’s Alpha Xi Delta house in 2021.

A man accused of setting a 2021 fire that caused significant damage to the Alpha Xi Delta sorority house at Marietta College has pleaded guilty to felony arson charges, according to Washington County Prosecutor Nicole Coil.

Austin Garrett Jones pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree felony aggravated arson related to the fire at the location on Fifth Street and one count of fourth-degree felony arson connected to a separate fire in a nearby cemetery, Coil said.

As part of the plea, Jones was sentenced to 180 days in jail on the fourth-degree felony charge, a term he had already served. He received no additional jail time on the third-degree felony charge but was placed on community control for three years. If he violates the terms of that supervision, he could face additional prison time tied to the aggravated arson conviction.

Jones will also be subject to lifetime arson registration, requiring him to register his residence with the sheriff’s office wherever he lives, Coil said.

The fire at the Alpha Xi Delta sorority house occurred Nov. 9, 2021. Fire crews were dispatched to the building, also known as the historic George White House, shortly before 7 p.m.

No injuries were reported, but fire officials said at the time that the building sustained significant damage, particularly to the roof and third floor. The State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted in the investigation.

The Greek Revival-style house at 322 Fifth St. was built in 1855 and has served as the Alpha Xi Delta sorority house since the 1950s.

Jones was indicted in Washington County in late 2023. The plea agreement and sentencing were finalized the same day, Coil said.