CLEARFIELD – Four area firefighters have been accused of arson and related charges, announced Clearfield County District Attorney today.
Shaw identified the defendants as Hunter Harris, 21, of Loch Lomond Road, Philipsburg; Samuel Connor, 19, of Old 220 Road, Howard; Kenneth Moore, 20, of Birch Street, Lanse; and Justin Varner, 23, of Curtin Street, Osceola Mills.
Cpl. Greg Agosti, fire marshal for the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop C, filed criminal complaints today against Harris, Connor and Moore for an Oct. 9 fire that occurred at a residence on Ida Street in Chester Hill Borough.
A separate complaint was filed against Varner for the Sept. 30 fire at the Hertlein Building on Lingle Street in Osceola Mills Borough. All of the suspects were charged with arson and related offenses.
According to the affidavit of probable cause in the Harris, Connor and Moore cases, on Oct. 9 at approximately 4 a.m., a two-story house fire occurred on Ida Street and was reported to Clearfield County 911.
An investigation determined that the fire originated in a wooden-framed shed attached to the rear of the house. It then spread throughout the house. No one was inside at the time of the fire, which was determined to be arson.
Further investigation determined that Harris, Connor and Moore were members of the Hope Volunteer Fire Company in Philipsburg. It also allegedly determined that all three collectively decided to start the fire in order to respond with the fire company and extinguish it.
The investigation determined that they allegedly gathered hay, cardboard, toilet paper and similar items to fashion a fuel package for ignition. Moore allegedly drove to the area and dropped off Harris and Connor.
Harris allegedly put the fuel package inside the wooden-framed shed and used a lighter to ignite it. The three then allegedly returned to the fire hall to await dispatch. All three allegedly responded with the fire company to extinguish the fire.
In a separate case, the affidavit states that on Sept. 30 at approximately 12:45 a.m., a commercial building fire was reported at the Hertlein Building on Lingle Street in Osceola Mills. It was determined that the fire was arson.
Further investigation determined that Varner, a member of the Columbia Fire Company, was allegedly walking home and realized the fire company hadn’t had a fire for some time.
Varner allegedly believed that the Hertlein Building was an “eye sore in the community.” He allegedly found an open door, walked in and ignited a pile of cardboard.
Varner then closed the door and returned to his home. After a period of time, Varner decided to take a walk. While walking down the street, Varner allegedly informed an officer with the fire company that he believed the building was on fire.
The officer responded to the building with Varner and discovered the fire. The officer immediately called 911. Varner allegedly responded with the fire company to assist in extinguishing the fire.
Shaw stated that he was extremely disappointed in these young men for setting these fires. He noted that the area relies on volunteer firefighters and the business of fighting fires is extremely dangerous. “The action of these individuals placed the lives of our volunteers in danger and will not be tolerated,” Shaw stated.
Shaw indicated that the criminal complaints were filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge Jerome Nevling. He anticipated all four defendants will voluntarily appear at Nevling’s office today for a preliminary arraignment. Shaw said preliminary hearings will be scheduled for the near future.
Shaw thanked the volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel who responded to the fires for their courage and dedication to the community. Shaw also thanked the state police and Agosti for resolving these cases in a timely manner.
Anyone with knowledge or information about a crime is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700.
All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”
