Update: Middletown Firefighter Indefinitely Suspended in Alleged Arson Barn Fire; Investigation Pending

A firefighter from Middletown has been indefinitely suspended by the Navesink Hook and Ladder Fire Company, at which he was a volunteer, pending the outcome of an investigation into charges of arson, according to the Atlantic Highlands Herald.

Sean Powers, 22, was charged with Official Misconduct, one count of second degree Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Arson, one count of second degree Aggravated Arson, and one count of third degree Aggravated Assault by the Monmouth County Prosectur’s Office, after allegedly setting fire to a a barn in the Navesink section of Middletown during the early morning hours of Saturday, October 4.

The Middletown Township Fire Department dispatched the Navesink and Community Fire Companies to the scene, and firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze; however, the structure was completely destroyed.

Powers received serious burn injuries and is presently in critical but stable condition at The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, in Livingston.

A second Middletown man, William Rohweder, 23, is also alleged to have taken part in the arson, and has been charged with one count of second degree Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Arson, one count of second degree Aggravated Arson and one count of third degree Aggravated Assault.

Because of Powers’ status as a volunteer fireman, he is facing a maximum prison sentence of ten years, a minimum period of parole ineligibility of five years, on Official Misconduct charges for his role in the arson. Additionally, if convicted, Powers would also be required to forfeit his position as a volunteer firefighter and banned from holding any public employment in the State of New Jersey in the future.

To read more, visit: http://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/two-middletown-men-including-volunteer-firefighter-charged-setting-barn-fire-last-weekend#.VDlfEPldURc