ST. LEONARD, Md. (June 19, 2009) - A joint investigation conducted by Deputy State Fire Marshals and investigators with the Calvert County Investigative Team has lead to the arrests of three fourteen-year-old males today.
The youths, have been charged with 1st degree arson and 4th degree burglary as a result of a June 16, 8:19 p.m. fire occurring in the 5000 block of St. Leonard Road.
The evening fire was reported by neighbors to the Calvert County 911 Center. The fire brought approximately thirty-firefighters from four county fire departments to the scene. It took firefighters approximately thirty minutes to bring the blaze under control but not before an estimated $50,000.00 in damage was done.
Investigators determined the two-story home has been vacant for approximately two-years and is owned by Wilson Parrin. Deputy State Fire Marshals determined that two separate fires had been ignited; one in a second floor room and the other was to the back exterior wall of the home. Investigators concluded the fires were intentionally set.
Investigators through interviews were lead to the three teenagers. The youths were taken into custody today. Two of the boys were released to the custody of their parents and the third youth was being held at the Cheltenham Youth Facility in Prince George's County pending further action by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.