TAMAQUA - A Hazleton man charged with setting a fire that damaged the Hometown Wal-Mart in February waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.
Johnathan L. Maldonado, 20, of 545 Garibaldi Court, was scheduled to appear on charges of four felony counts of arson, one felony count each of causing or risking a catastrophe and criminal mischief; one misdemeanor count each of failing to prevent a catastrophe and recklessly endangering another person; and a summary charge of dangerous burning.
After conferring with his attorney, Thomas Joachim of Lansdale, Maldonado waived his right to the hearing and must appear Schuylkill County Court on the charges. He remains free after posting $50,000 straight cash bail set at the time of his arraignment.
Rush Township police Sgt. Duane Frederick charged Maldonado with using a lighter and Silly String to start a fire about 2:25 a.m. Feb. 18, which resulted in the store being shut down for more than 12 hours and causing more than $25,000 in damage.
Frederick said heavy smoke and flames were coming from the building when officers and firefighters arrived.
State police fire marshal Trooper John F. Burns determined the blaze was arson and started in the clearance section in the west wing of the building.
Store security cameras captured four men "messing around" in that area, who immediately exited the building and ran to a vehicle in the parking lot, Frederick said.
Frederick said that, after following numerous leads, Hazleton City police contacted his department and told him two men wanted to talk to their officers about the Wal-Mart fire.
Frederick said the men reported being told by Maldonado that he started the fire and that neither he nor the three others with him did anything to stop the blaze.
Frederick said he and Cpl. Adam Sinton went to Maldonado's house, where they were invited in, and Maldonado told them he knew nothing about the fire. However, Maldonado eventually admitted playing with the Silly String and then to having a lighter and lighting the Silly String container on fire.
Frederick said Maldonado also admitted placing the burning container on a shelf and leaving the aisle without trying to extinguish the fire.