Arson charges against a Ridgway man were bound to court Friday following a hearing before District Judge James Martin in Johnsonburg.
Shawn Anthony Schaefer, 43, of 1454 California Road, is charged with arson with danger of death or serious injury, a first-degree felony; arson endangering property, arson with intent to collect insurance and theft by deception, second-degree felonies; criminal mischief and insurance fraud, third-degree felonies.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, around 8:30 p.m. April 25, a neighbor saw “an orange fireball streak across the windows” at the front of the Schaefer home, but go out very quickly. She hesitated, but called 911 when she saw smoke around the home.
The home, which was for sale, was insured for $457,252, court records indicate.
Upon investigation, police determined Schaefer had put 3M Drywall Corner Bead Spray Adhesive across the living room/dining room floor and around the stairway and living room of the home for the purpose of spreading fire. Police allege he lit a candle on the countertop in the kitchen of the home, causing a flash fire to quickly spread through the home, causing significant heat and smoke damage, court records stated.
Schaefer had told police he wasn’t home at the time of the blaze, but police were able to use cell phone records to put him there in close proximity to when the fire started, the records allege.
Police allege Schaefer was having financial trouble, and attempted to burn the home to collect the insurance money, the affidavit of probable cause stated.
Schaefer, who is represented by attorneys Karl Geci and Paul Malizia, remains free on $25,000 unsecured bail.
His formal arraignment in Elk County Court is scheduled for 3 p.m. Feb. 5.
