The sentence in Kenneth Fortuin's plea deal for arson was no surprise — his lawyer said he'll be out in a year — but the courtroom drama was: His lawyer alleged he was the victim, not his ex-wife, when he burned their house.

Both parties agreed to a plea of guilty and a sentence of two-and-a-third to seven years. The defense said it would also request substance-abuse treatment at the June 19 sentencing.

KNOX — A week after Ken Fortuin was charged with setting his own house on fire, police and friends alike are focusing on the fact that he is alive. He is in Albany County’s jail, with bail set at $150,000.

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said he had worried “it would be suicide by cop or he’d take his own life.”