Judge rules teen committed arson in recent warehouse fire

ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

A juvenile suspect arrested in connection to a recent warehouse fire in Terre haute faced a formal arson charge after being adjudicated as a delinquent child today.
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Following Terre Haute Fire Department investigation into the warehouse fire in the 1700 block of Maple Avenue on Terre Haute's north side Aug.11, the  13-year-old was arrested and charged with arson, a Level 4 felony- if committed by an adult. Sentencing is scheduled to take place next month.

Meanwhile,  a second juvenile was charged with criminal trespass in the case and it is pending at this time.

The  juvenile charged with arson was determined to be a delinquent after evidence in the case was presented to Magistrate Daniel Kelly during the bench trial today. 

Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt stated in a press release that arson cases are often complex. He commended the investigators for their quick and thorough work, allowing for the juvenile to be held accountable for his actions. He added that the the firefighters whom responded to the former Fibre Box plant blaze faced very dangerous conditions at the time.

Vigo County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Rob Roberts explained that the teen found to have set the fire had requested a speedy trial, giving the state 20 days after the request to bring him to trial leading up to today's court appearance.

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