Crescent-News.com - Trio indicted on multiple arson counts

PAULDING -- Three Paulding County teen-agers have been indicted on charges related to a series of arsons in the county.

Josiah Stiltner of Cecil, Tyler Danberry of Paulding and Robert Bair III of Melrose, whose ages were not available, were each indicted on five counts of arson, all fourth-degree felonies.

According to the indictments, which were handed down by a county grand jury on Thursday and filed Friday, the trio allegedly caused damage to properties owned by: Ray Goings on Road 162 near Paulding on May 15, county commissioners on Road 192 near Cecil on May 16, Black Swamp Conservancy on Road 73 near Cecil on May 23, Lucille Ziegler on Road 60 near Grover Hill and Six Mile Christian Church on Road 210 near Paulding on May 27.

Danberry and Stiltner both made initial appearances in Paulding County Court last week and were bound over to the grand jury.

There have been nine suspicious fires in Paulding County since May 15. Eight structures, including one abandoned church, and one vehicle have been set on fire, the sheriff's office alleges.

When asked about responsibility for the ninth fire, Sheriff Dave Harrow stated that the arson investigation is continuing.

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation had offered a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whomever was burning barns and other structures in the county.