Pocono News Section

Firefighters to Stand Trial on Arson Charges

Firefighters to Stand Trial on Arson Charges - Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 11:12AM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 @ 11:12am EST
MILLVILLE, COLUMBIA COUNTY- Two Columbia County volunteer firefighters will now stand trial on arson and attempted murder charges.

This morning a judge bound over 19-year-old Colton Barrett and 31-year-old Kristen Strausser. Barrett is accused of setting two fires last week, including one on Albertson Road in Fishing Creek Township. Reuben and Pauline Albertson were seriously injured in that fire. They remain in critical condition.

Strausser is accused of setting a March fire that forced Raymond Belles to escape his burning home.

Strausser’s lawyer requested a bail reduction, but that was denied. Her bail remains at $50,000 straight cash. Barrett’s remains at $100,000 straight cash.