CLEARFIELD – A Cherry Tree man accused of starting two fires was sentenced recently during plea and sentencing court in Clearfield County.
Troy Michael Solley Jr., 19, 3411 Kantz Hill Rd., Cherry Tree, pleaded guilty to two counts each of arson, risking a catastrophe and failure to control/duty, four counts of statement under penalty and a summary dangerous burning charge.
He was sentenced by Judge Paul E. Cherry to six months to one year in jail and three years consecutive probation. He was fined $4,335 plus costs. Because of the felony charges, he must submit to DNA testing at a cost of $250.
Prior to sentencing, Solley apologized and stated that he was taking “full responsibility for my actions.” He added that he guaranteed it would never happen again.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on April 27 authorities were called to the scene of two wildfires in Burnside Township. A witness had seen a man throw burning debris from a moving vehicle in the area of one of the wildfires. Police were then contacted.
The witness was able to give a description of the vehicle and the man. Solley, who is a member of the Burnside Volunteer Fire Department and trained wildland firefighter, was identified as a suspect. The vehicle seen was owned by Solley’s father who was out of town at the time of the incidents.
When police spoke with Solley he gave a sworn statement denying involvement with the fires.
An investigation revealed that one of the fires was definitely arson, but the other was unable to be fully investigated due to extensive suppression action.
On May 13 a Bureau of Forestry Special Investigator with the Division of Forest Fire Protection interviewed Solley. Again he gave a written statement denying involvement in either fire.
Solley went to the Moshannon State Forest District Office in Penfield on May 21 for a third interview. During the interview, it became evident that Solley was involved. He was read his rights and asked to complete a written statement.
For the third time, he gave a false statement. As this interview continued, Solley retracted his previous statements and confessed to setting both of the fires.