Man Appealing Conviction in Hitching Post Arson

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A New Mexico man serving six years in prison in connection with the arson attack that burned down a landmark hotel in Cheyenne is appealing his conviction.

A federal judge in September sentenced Ajay Jariwala of Albuquerque following his guilty plea to conspiracy to commit arson.

Prosecutors say Jariwala was a principal in the company that owned the hotel. They say he commissioned the arson to try to defraud an insurance company of more than $13 million.

Jariwala filed a notice of appeal with the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver less than two weeks after his sentencing. Jariwala's lawyer said Wednesday he couldn't discuss the grounds for appeal.

Federal prosecutor Jim Anderson said the federal government likely will challenge Jariwala's standing to appeal after his guilty plea.