By Patricia Breakey
Delhi News Bureau
DELHI "" One of the men charged in connection with a string of suspicious fires last year in Delaware County pleaded guilty Monday to a reduced charge of third-degree attempted arson.
Timothy Haner, 24, of Stamford, was offered a plea deal in which he agreed to testify against Donald, J. Aitken, 22, and Cody D. Fancher, 17, both of East Meredith.
Aitken and Fancher were arrested Oct. 7 for their involvement in the fire that destroyed the Sidney Center United Methodist Church and other blazes that occurred from April to October, Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup said previously.
Delaware County Judge Carl Becker said Haner would receive a sentence of probation and time served plus restitution if he cooperates with Northrup and provides truthful testimony.
Northrup requested that Haner be directed not to associate or communicate with Aitken and Fancher.
Haner pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of third-degree attempted arson in connection with a fire at a building belonging to Mario Fasullo on Chambers Hollow in Hamden.
Becker said a second charge of third-degree burglary would be dismissed at sentencing. He warned Haner that if he didn't cooperate, he could face a sentence of 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison.
Northrup said Haner was not involved in any of the other fires Aitken and Fancher allegedly set.
Northrup said Haner sat in the car when the other two men set fire to the Fasullo property April 16.
"He wasn't even the driver," Northrup said.
He said a restitution amount has not yet been determined for the Fasullo property.
Aitken and Fancher both pleaded innocent to two indictments that included seven counts of third-degree arson; five counts of third-degree burglary; three counts of second-degree burglary; three counts of third-degree criminal mischief; and one count of second-degree arson, petit larceny, fifth-degree attempted arson and first-degree reckless endangerment.
Aitken was being held in Delaware County jail on $20,000 cash bail, and Fancher is free on $20,000 bail. Their trials are all scheduled during the April 26 trial term.
Haner was released on his own recognizance.
