Three male youths accused of starting a multi-structure fire on Jordan Avenue Nov. 9 have been released on home confinement until their trials.
While free, the teens will have to comply with numerous “pre-trial conditions,” including regular reports to the probation office, school attendance, and an avoidance of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or any criminal activity. The boys are also prohibited from contacting each other or their victims, and are not allowed to visit the crime scenes.
Any infractions will result in the youths being sent back to jail, said Judge Jerry Crisel who presided over detention hearings for the boys Friday.
“You're going to have to walk the line even more than usual,” Crisel warned one of the defendants. “If you don't, it won't be good, I can assure you that.”
The fire in question happened shortly after 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at 322 Jordan Ave. Police allege the fire was started with gasoline at a vacant home. The blaze then spread to three adjacent occupied homes, including a trailer at 320 Jordan Ave. The trailer was destroyed, leaving the occupants without a place to stay.
Initially, two youths were arrested and charged. Police allege a 15-year-old boy actually started the fire while a 17-year-old co-defendant provided the gasoline and lighter and possibly came up with the idea.
Then earlier this week, a third 17-year-old co-defendant was arrested in the case. His specific role in the alleged crime has not been made clear. All three are charged with arson and criminal damage to property.