POCATELLO — A Fort Hall man who admitted starting a fire in his home after a fight with his girlfriend pleaded guilty Wednesday to arson in U.S. District Court in Pocatello.

Michael Pandoah, 25, set fire to the home near the intersection of Tyhee and Laughren roads on May 16, 2010. Police responding to the scene received information that Pandoah may still be in the home.

A search by firefighters and police found Pandoah in the basement of the home. Officers and firefighters then had to remove him from the house. He later admitted he lived in the home and intentionally set the fire.

Pandoah will be sentenced on Dec. 11 and faces up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine.