A Butler woman accused of setting her house on fire with her children inside was sentenced Thursday, Feb. 5, to serve more than five years of probation after pleading guilty to several charges.

Tanya M. Richter, 37, was sentenced to serve three concurrent terms of 24 months of probation followed by 24-month and 18-month terms of probation and to pay fines totaling $500 after pleading guilty to charges of resisting arrest, simple assault and three counts of reckless endangerment. All charges are misdemeanors.

Butler County Common Pleas Judge Maura Palumbi gave Richter credit for time served in Butler County Prison and for inpatient treatment as a part of the sentence.

Butler police filed 14 charges, including eight felony counts of aggravated assault and one count of endangering the welfare of children, against Richter following the June 14 incident at her home on North Chestnut Street.

Police said Richter locked one child out of the home before starting a fire and bringing two other children to the attic, where she attempted build a barricade. The children were 12, 4 and 2 years old at the time.

Police said they saw smoke and smelled a burning odor before going to the second floor, where they heard a voice call for help from the attic. According to police, officers entered the attic and found Richter barricading the door. They allegedly saw two children screaming and crying in the corner. One officer reportedly carried the two children outside while the others took Richter into custody.

Police said Richter kicked three officers and bit one on the hand, breaking the skin, while being placed into custody. Richter also kicked two officers again when they attempted to place her in a patrol vehicle, according to police.

Police said the child who was allegedly left outside reported Richter kicked him out of the house before the incident. The child reported seeing Richter lighting matches and towels on fire.

Officers also found burned papers inside the front door and on the kitchen counter and a cellphone battery in a cup of water on the kitchen counter.