CLEARFIELD – A Drifting man pleaded guilty to arson and drug charges recently during plea and sentencing court in Clearfield County.
Ronald J. Veres, 30, 74 Hoot and Holler Ln., Drifting, an inmate of the jail, pleaded guilty to arson in one case, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in a second case and driving under the influence in a third case. He was sentenced to a total of 115 days to two years less one day in jail and two years consecutive probation. He was fined $2,420 plus costs. He must pay more than $86,449 in restitution in the arson case. He was ordered to complete counseling, surrender his license and submit to DNA testing at a cost of $250.
According to the affidavits of probable cause, on June 3 police began investigating a fire that took place on Hoot and Holler Lane in Cooper Township that destroyed a garage. Veres told police that he was purchasing property from the victim and he started an outside fire to start cleaning the property up. It eventually got out of control and spread to two mobile homes that burned years ago. From there the fire spread to the victim’s garage and property.
In the drug case, on June 15, police received a report that Veres had marijuana plants growing behind his camper trailer. When an officer walked through that property, he observed in plain view three small black pots with a green leafy plant growing in them. The next day, the officer received a search warrant and removed the plants. A field test of the plants was positive for marijuana.