Philly man gets prison for torching Gamble and Huff studio

A South Philadelphia ironworker who admitted setting fire to the Center City studio of music legends Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff while in a drunken stupor was sentenced Friday to 1 1/2 to 10 years in prison.

Christopher Cimini, 28, apologized and told Common Pleas Court Judge Glenn B. Bronson that he had no memory of breaking into Philadelphia International Records at Broad and Spruce Streets or of why he set the building ablaze.

The fire caused $3.5 million in damage, destroying the studios where Gamble and Huff created "the Sound of Philadelphia" and recorded such artists as Patti LaBelle and Teddy Pendergrass.

The building has not reopened, although Gamble and Huff have said they might convert it into a museum to the label and artists who recorded there. The blaze did not damage the label's master recordings, which are stored in a vault elsewhere.

Cimini, who had no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty in July to felony charges of arson, causing a catastrophe, criminal trespass, and related offenses.

Assistant District Attorney Peter Salib had sought a prison term of 21/2 to 10 years. He cited the danger to neighboring buildings and firefighters, who were falsely told by Cimini that other people were trapped on the third floor.

Defense attorney Gina Capuano asked Bronson for a work-release sentence so Cimini could support his wife and two children, as well as pay Gamble and Huff $11,000 - the deductible they paid to their property insurer.

In addition to prison and restitution, Bronson ordered Cimini to undergo drug and alcohol counseling. Cimini's blood-alcohol level was four times the legal threshold for intoxication.

Security cameras at Philadelphia International Records showed Cimini kicking in the glass door at 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 21 - cutting his arms and trailing blood.

After setting off fire alarms on the first floor, Cimini appeared on camera on the third floor using a lighter to set fires.

Firefighters arrived moments later and saw Cimini hanging out of a third-story window, rescued him, and took him to a hospital, where he was treated for smoke inhalation.