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Pocono News Section
Couple Accused of Setting Fire to Own Business - Twice
Couple Accused of Setting Fire to Own Business - Twice - Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 5:30PM EST
Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Thursday, Nov 19, 2009 @ 05:30pm EST
CLIFFORD, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY -- Police say Victor and Tammy Santarelli were so angry about losing their home and business because of financial problems, that they set it on fire so nobody else could have it -- namely, the people they bought it from.
The Santarellis were charged with arson and insurance fraud here Thursday. Their attorney says they're innocent.
"The insurance company investigated for more than two months and then issued checks, which means they found the Santarellis were not guilty of arson," said attorney Kevin Fitzgerald.
Police disagree. Fire crews were called to the Shady Rest Campground in Gibson Township in April. That fire was determined to be arson. Police say another fire there, in November of 2007, was also arson. Troopers believe the Santarellis are responsible. In fact, investigators say the Santarellis' own daughter asked to talk with them just days after the fire. According to the criminal complaint, the teenager told troopers her parents said they'd rather destroy the house than turn it over to the prior owners.
"It looks like somebody else in the campground may have been involved in this," Fitzgerald disagreed. "And beyond that, I can't say. It's too early."
The campground is now back in possession of Arnold and Alice Manning, who owned it for 40 years before providing a private mortgage for the Santarellis. The Mannings' family member didn't want to go on-camera, but he tells Eyewitness News the land around the campground caught fire in early summer. He says ten acres were burned, but nobody's been charged.
Police reports also show the Santarellis' previous home in Jefferson Township, Lackawanna County, caught fire in 2005. They currently live on Wilkes-Barre Boulevard in the city. They're free on unsecured bail and are due back in court next week. | | |
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