Pocono News Section

Suspected Arsonist Enters Plea Deal

Suspected Arsonist Enters Plea Deal - Friday, September 4, 2009 at 6:00PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Friday, Sep 4, 2009 @ 06:00pm EST
A Carbondale man has entered a plea in connection with a series of arsons in Lackawanna County.

Benjamin Christensen pleaded no contest to seven fires Friday morning. That means he will not fight the charges against him.

Christensen remains behind bars as he awaits his sentencing date. Prosecutors say he set fire to some of the region's most well known places.

They include Jonals Law Center in Greenfield Township, Highway Auto Parts in Eynon and Mermelstein's Marketplace in Carbondale Township.

ItÕs been more than a year since Benjamin Christensen was arrested on arson charges. Friday he admitted have a role in at least seven fires.

Assistant District Attorney Corey Kolcharno said, ÒI think it gives everyone a sense of security, that not only is he going to receive a lengthy period of punishment -- but also a lengthy period of supervision."

One of the biggest fires was at Mermelstein's Marketplace in Carbondale Township. It destroyed business after business in the plaza.

Scott Stabley remembers the blaze well. ÒItÕs a good thing that he fessed up to it and he's taking responsibility for his actions."

Prosecutors say Christensen was a volunteer firefighter. He allegedly set the flames to respond to the scene and out of anger. ÒThat's the shocking part -- that he set it -- just so that he could fight it to bring glory to himself," added Stabley.

Current volunteer Joe Unas hopes the plea doesn't give all volunteers a bad name. ÒNot everybody is an arsonist you know what I mean? People need to realize that. Support your local fire company. These are few and far between," he told Eyewitness News.

Many of the businesses destroyed are still rebuilding, like Highway Auto Parts in Eynon. Others have rebuilt, like Maioletsi's Winery.

As for Christensen, many of the business owners say they hope he gets an appropriate sentence. ÒThe Commonwealth made a recommendation to the court that he serve no more than 20 years incarceration, plus an additional 20 years of supervised probation," said A. D.A. Kolcharno.

A sentencing date for Benjamin Christensen has not yet been set. It should happen in about three months.

The 26-year-old is also facing sentencing on two other charges, indecent assault and giving alcohol to minors.