By Mark Boshnack
Two Stamford residents were arrested on arson charges Thursday as part of the investigation into a rash of "suspicious" fires in Delaware County, Delaware deputies said. An additional arson charge was brought against two already arrested for their involvement, said deputies.
On Thursday evening, Timothy L. Haner, 24, and Ashley R. Mason, 18, were arrested for third-degree arson in connection with the April 16 fire at an unoccupied farmhouse on Chambers Hollow Road in the town of Hamden, deputies said.
The two East Meredith men arrested Wednesday on third-degree arson charges in the Oct. 1 fire in the Sidney Center United Methodist Church, Donald J. Aitken, 21, and Cody D. Fancher, 17, also received the same charge Thursday for the Hamden fire, deputies said.
At this point in the investigation, Haner and Mason are not suspected with being involved with the other fires, deputies said. Aitken, who deputies confirmed was the son of Meridale Fire Chief Donald Aitken, and Fancher, have been accused of being involved in six arson fires as well as three incidents of vandalism involving arson.
Aitken and Fancher were sent to Delaware County jail Wednesday on $25,000 cash bail, deputies said. The phone listed for the Meridale fire chief was not in service Friday.
Deputies said they are anticipating additional charges against Aitken and Fancher will be filed at the conclusion of the investigation and a review by the Delaware County District Attorney's Office.
The arson investigation team established before the church fire, includes members of the sheriff's office, county Department of Emergency Services, assisted by state police, state Office of Fire Prevention and Control Arson Bureau and county Probation Department.
Deputies previously said they determined that Aitken and Fancher were responsible for a burglary at the Town of Meredith Highway Department garage, during which gasoline was taken that was used in the church fire.
None of the arrests came from information received because of a $3,000 reward established by the sheriff's office after the church fire, Undersheriff Douglas Vredenburgh said.
Haner and Mason were arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court on Thursday evening, deputies said. Haner was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $15,000 cash bail, and Mason was released on her own recognizance.
The investigation is continuing, and deputies continue to seek additional information at 746-2336.
