MEADVILLE —
The preliminary hearing for a Conneaut Lake man accused of burning a residence near Conneaut Lake Park in June has been postponed due to a scheduling conflict.
Steven Lee Chatley, 28, of Conneaut Lake, was arrested June 28 by Pennsylvania State Police on felony charges of one count each of arson, burglary, criminal mischief and criminal trespass.
Chatley was arraigned the night of June 28 before Titusville-area Magisterial District Judge Amy Nicols, acting for Linesville-area Magisterial District Judge Rita Marwood, and committed to the Crawford County jail in Saegertown in lieu of $50,000 bond.
Chatley’s preliminary hearing before Marwood initially was scheduled by Nicols for July 8. However, July 8 was Sunday and the date had to be rescheduled as court offices were closed. Chatley’s preliminary hearing has been rescheduled for July 24 at 10 a.m. before Marwood, according to court records.
Under Pennsylvania law, a defendant must be scheduled for a preliminary hearing no sooner than three days, but no later than 10 days at time of initial arraignment on charges. The preliminary hearing may be rescheduled due to scheduling conflicts.
State police allege Chatley started a fire that heavily damaged an unoccupied Reed Avenue Extension residence during the early morning hours of June 28. The home, which is owned by a Virginia Beach, Va., man and is located about one-half mile from Conneaut Lake Park.
The fire was reportedly located across the street from two abandoned residential properties where fires also occurred in recent weeks. However, Chatley only has been charged with the June 28 fire.
The June 28 fire marked the sixth fire investigated in that area in recent weeks. The cause of one fire at a residence in Sadsbury Township was ruled as accidental and electrical in nature, but other night-time fires at abandoned structures in the area of Conneaut Lake Park reportedly remain under investigation.
Chatley remains jailed in lieu of $50,000 bond.
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Hearing pushed back for accused Lake arsonist Chatley
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