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Insurance Fraud Charges Dropped Against Arson Suspect
Insurance Fraud Charges Dropped Against Arson Suspect - Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 6:07PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 @ 06:07pm EDT
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Some charges against a Lackawanna County arson suspect have been dropped.
Manfred Lennartz was back in court Tuesday morning for a preliminary hearing.
A judge dismissed insurance fraud and criminal mischief charges after a three hours hearing.
Lennartz is accused of setting fire to his own home in Scott Township earlier this year.
Even though some charges were dismissed, the arson charges will still stand.
"I think that helps us. I think it shows that motivation just wasn't there. The house in question was up for foreclosure. My client had no financial interest in the house," defense attorney Paul Ackourey said.
"I don't think it affects too much. I think we're confident in our evidence and our witnesses were all here today. We're moving forward with this case," assistant district attorney Corey Kolcharno said.
Prosecutors say Lennartz set fire to his own home to collect insurance money. | |
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