A Franklin Township man will pay $194,187 for damage caused when he ignited the Prospect home of a suspected romantic rival.

George McGary, who pleaded no contest to reckless burning, was sentenced this morning by Butler County Judge William Shaffer to serve 4 1/2 to 9 months in prison followed by 75 months on county probation and 200 hours of community service.

McGary, a one-time volunteer firefighter, reportedly used gasoline and a road flare to ignite a more than 100-year-old farmhouse on Main Street in Prospect in September 2011.

The intended target was the house of a man with whom McGary believed his estranged wife was romantically involved, according to court documents.

McGary’s no contest plea implies that he is not acknowledging guilt. However, he is not fighting the allegations at a trial. A no contest plea is given the same weight as a guilty plea for sentencing.

McGary, who has credit for 33 days he already served in prison, made no statements in the court room.

He was ordered to pay the restitution to the homeowner’s insurance company.

McGary, 39, originally was to be sentenced on Oct. 25, but that was delayed so he could get knee surgery.