Arrest in Delmar Fire
DELMAR, Md. (AP) - Maryland fire officials say a landlord has been charged with arson and attempted murder after a house he owned burned.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal and Delmar police arrested 42-year-old Andy Modeste of Seaford, Del., after Monday morning's fire.
Authorities say Modeste set a fire in a crawl space of the home while Eduardo Machado and his family slept. The family was able to escape unharmed.
About 70 firefighters battled the blaze in the two-story, single-family home before bringing it under control in about an hour. Damage was estimated at $40,000.
The fire marshal's office says a dispute over the lease may be a motive in the incident.
Bail Denial In Accomack Arsons
Tonya Bundick, facing charges in connection with a series of arson fire in Accomack County, will stay in jail.
The 40-year old Bundick tried to appeal a judge’s decision to deny her bond after her arrest early last month but was denied again.
She and 38-year old Charles Smith, both of Parksley, have been accused of a string of arson fires that reached 77 between mid-November through April 1st.
WBOC reports that court document show that Smith has admitted to setting 52 fires while Bundick set 15.
But so far, the station notes, both have only been charged with setting one fire.
Her next court appearance is set for June for a preliminary hearing.
Under Virginia state law arson of an unoccupied building is punishable by 2-to-10 years in prison and/or $100-thousand.
