Austin/St. Marys Residents Arrested For Arson Fire In Emporium

3 Arrested In Arson Fire At Playground 
A St. Marys man and two Austin residents have been arrested in connection with an arson fire that damaged the interior of the recreation building at the Prospect Park  playground along Arch Drive in Shippen Township, Cameron County on March 23, 2012.


After a joint investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Investigation Section at Emporium, and the PSP Fire Marshal Unit, the identity of the persons responsible for the crime have been identified. In a news release today, Criminal Investigator Trooper James P. Yoder, and PSP Fire Marshal Trooper David Surra have listed the accused persons who are believed to be responsible for this crime. Charged are:


Joshua Burger, 20, Parade Street, St. Marys, PA, was taken into custody on May 15, 2012 at a residence in Ridgway, PA. He's was arraigned  before District Judge Mark Jacob on charges of Arson(F1); Arson(F2); Burglary(F2); Arson(F3); Arson(F3); Criminal Mischief(F3); Criminal Mischief(F3), and Criminal Trespass(F3). Judge Jacob set bail at $50,000. straight. Burger was unable to post bail and was committed to the Potter County Jail.


Charles Goff, 19, RR 1, Austin, PA, was taken into custody at the Potter County Jail and arrested on May 9, 2012 and arraigned before District Judge Barry Brown on a charge of Criminal Trespass(F3). Judge Brown set bail at $10,000. unsecured. Charles Goff was recommitted to the POtter County Jail on unrelated charges filed by the Austin Police Department.


Erica Goff, 20, of RR 1, Austin, PA, was taken into custody and arrested on May 15, 2012 at an Emporium residence. She was arraigned on charges of Criminal Trespass(F3) before District Judge Mark Jacob. Judge Jacob set bail at $2,500. unsecured. Goff was released.


The arson incident that occurred on March 23, 2012 was intentionally set, igniting combustible materials inside a cabinet in the recreation building. The fire was quickly extinguished by members of the Emporium Fire Department, containing the damage from combustion to the area of origin. The remainder of the interior of the structure sustained heat and smoke damage.