The former employee accused of trying to set fire to a Casper sheet metal business was sentenced to 15 to 17 years in prison on Wednesday.

Michael Shane Ball, 35, will concurrently serve the 15- to 17- year sentence for arson, and a 9- to 10-year sentence for being a habitual felon. He will receive credit for time served since his arrest in late October 2008.

He will also pay restitution of $10,105 to the business, which suffered extensive damage from flames and smoke.

Prosecutors charged Ball with first-degree arson, property destruction and burglary after he tried to set fire to Sheet Metal Specialties on the 1200 block of East Yellowstone. He had been fired from the business about two months earlier. He faced the possibility of up to 40 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

An employee discovered the fire as he came to work, according to a police affidavit filed in Natrona County Circuit Court. Officers later determined someone had knocked open a door to get into the business.

In addition to the fire, the inside of the building appeared to be ransacked. There was also spaghetti sauce on the floor.

Based on a similar incident at the business in September, police suspected Ball's involvement, according to the affidavit.

Officers noticed what appeared to be spaghetti sauce on Ball's shoes. He claimed he had cooked pasta a few days earlier, the affidavit said.

Police say Ball's roommate told them he came into her bedroom early the morning of the fire asking to borrow her vehicle. She claimed he bragged about burning down Sheet Metal Specialties.

Ball has at least three prior convictions for violent felonies and was on probation at the time of his arrest.

Reach reporter Megan Lee at (307) 266-0616 or megan.lee@trib.com.