Investigators used the data from a Middletown man’s pacemaker to help get an indictment in a fire that caused about $400,000 in damages.
Ross Compton, 59, has been indicted on felony charges of aggravated arson and insurance fraud for allegedly starting the fire on Sept. 19 at his Court Donegal house. Police said Compton gave statements that were “inconsistent” with the evidence at the fire.
Compton, who has extensive medical problems, including an artificial heart implant that uses an eternal pump, told police that when he saw the fire, he packed some belongings in a suitcase and bags. He told police that he then broke out the glass of his bedroom window with a cane and threw the bags and suitcase outside before taking them to his car.