West Virginia Firefighter to Plead in Arson Case
A Nov. 8 plea hearing is set for a former volunteer firefighter accused of setting a blaze in Berkeley County, W. Va., that injured a firefighter from another department.
Berkeley County Prosecutor Pamela Games-Neely told a judge on Monday that 31-year-old James L. Blackford III agreed to enter an Alford plea to first-degree arson and causing serious injury during an arson-related crime.
In an Alford plea, a defendant doesn’t admit guilt but acknowledges that the prosecution has enough evidence to convict.
Blackford was a three-year member of the Bedington Volunteer Fire Department when he was charged with setting fire to a barn in 2009.
A member of the Baker Heights Volunteer Fire Department was injured in the blaze.
Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Popular Today
- ‘Fearless Girl’ Lawsuit by State Street Settles on Eve of Trial
- Insurers Get Green Light to Pay Less Than Billed Charges in Florida PIP Cases
- Growing Progressive Set to Hire 10,000 for Claims, IT, Other Roles
- Hack That Paralyzed US Health Care Turns Up Scrutiny on Insurer
Popular This Month