Restaurant Owner Admits To Arson On Eve Of Trial

A co-owner of Blue Smoke BBQ in Alexandria, which was lost in a fire four years ago, has pleaded guilty to one of three felony charges he faced in connection with the fire. David Galbraith, 27, of Glenwood admitted to committing felony theft by swindle. He entered his amended plea in Douglas County District Court on Sept. 7, the same day that pre-trial proceedings were scheduled to begin. As part of an agreement, two other charges — conspiring to commit arson and insurance fraud — will be dismissed. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 14.