Michael Slager was sentenced to 11 years in prison with 365 days jail credit by a Franklin County Judge Monday

A Gahanna man charged with setting his ex-girlfriend on fire has pleaded “no contest.” Michael Slager entered the plea Monday morning just before jury selection was to begin.



Slager was charged with aggravated arson and felonious assault.

Prosecutors say on August 2, 2015, he doused Judy Malinowski with gasoline and lit her on fire. Slager claimed the fire was accidental.



Malinowski suffered horrific burns over most of her body. Over 500 days after the fire, she remains hospitalized. Her family says doctors tell them it is likely she will not survive her injuries.

Prosecutors say if Malinowski dies, they plan to pursue murder charges.

Slager’s attorney said today’s plea is not an admission of guilt, but a statement that he does not dispute the charges.

He said the plea is intended to preserve his rights in the event of more serious charges. It prevents Malinowski from testifying under oath, as she was expected to do Tuesday.

Prosecutors pointed out this is not a plea deal, and there was nothing they could to do prevent Slager from changing his plea.