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Pocono News Section
Columbia Co. Ex-firefighter Sentenced for Theft
Columbia Co. Ex-firefighter Sentenced for Theft - Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 10:25PM EST
Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Wednesday, Aug 5, 2009 @ 10:25pm EST
BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY -- Colton Barrett was arrested in December for stealing $65,000 worth of fire equipment from four different volunteer fire companies in Columbia and Luzerne counties. Wednesday, he was sentenced to between eight and three years behind bars.
The 19-year-old was a volunteer firefighter with the Orangeville Community Fire Company in Columbia County. Police say he stole the fire gear from fire departments in Beaver Township, Wilburton, Aristes, and Fairmont, then sold the gear on Ebay.
Barrett and his accomplice, Matthew Cleaver, will pay more than $65,000 in restitution.
But this is just the beginning of Barrett's legal troubles. He and Kristen Strausser, the Orangeville fire chief's wife, are accused of multiple arsons, including one that critically injured a Fishing Creek Township couple in May.
Barrett is charged with attempted murder, arson, and burglary in that case. He's heading to trial. He still has to answer to arson charges in Lycoming County. Until then, he's in the Columbia County Prison. | | |
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