Pocono News Section

Man Faced Judge for Burning a Business to the Ground

Man Faced Judge for Burning a Business to the Ground - Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 8:25PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Thursday, Jun 25, 2009 @ 08:25pm EST
POCONO SUMMIT, MONROE COUNTY - A Pocono man accused of burglary and arson was in court Thursday. 29 year old Michael Bartell Junior waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Only the foundation remains after a fire at the Classic Quality Homes business office in Pocono Summit. Business owner David Wengerd said, "It was devastating." He estimates the damage will cost him more than $400,000 and it's not all covered by insurance.

Police say Michael Bartell Junior admitted he broke into the building and set the fire because he was angry.

Police say Bartell admitted he came back to this fire scene twice, once to see how it was burning and the second time to remove a surveillance video tape.

According to arrest papers. Bartell's father worked for the builder and Bartell was upset because the builder didn't pay fast enough so he wanted to "teach him a lesson." His defense attorney Jim Swetz remarked, "If arrest papers were true we wouldn't need trials."

Swetz said he needs to complete an investigation before he can say anything else. He explained, "I cannot say whether or not we will have successful plea negotiations but we are always open to that eventuality."

The business owner said he is religious and must try to forgive. He said, "I'm not supposed to hold a any grudges I'm supposed to forgive him but I would be scared if he would be loose."

Wengerd said he believes Bartell has a drug problem but hopes the young man and his business can be rehabilitated.