WATERVILLE — A city man has been charged with arson in connection with two cemetery fires set on July 21 in the city’s South End, police said.
Jon Duffy, 34, of Waterville, was summoned Friday by Officer Steve Brame on two charges of arson after Duffy allegedly confessed to the crime.
People who live in the area and others who saw the fires were interviewed by Brame during the investigation, according to police. The first fire was reported around 1 p.m. at Pine Grove Cemetery and the second was reported around 2 p.m. at adjacent St. Francis Cemetery. Both were fires in piles of brush that were put out quickly by Parks and Recreation Department workers on the scene before firefighters arrived.
St. Francis Cemetery reported very little damage. The fire was in an undeveloped space, so there was nothing to fix, said Director Mike Hebert.
Pine Grove Cemetery did not immediately return a phone call.
Duffy was reportedly seen in the area of both fires and was reportedly seen leaving the scene of the second fire, said Deputy Chief Bill Bonney.
Duffy allegedly confessed to both arsons but did not offer a clear motive, Bonney said. Duffy, who has no criminal record, was reportedly also seen watching a fire in the city before, Bonney said.
“This is somebody who’s been infatuated with fire,” Bonney said.
Arson is a Class A felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. “It is a serious charge,” Bonney said.
Duffy is scheduled to appear in Kennebec County Superior Court on Sept. 26.
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