Deaf, mute woman charged in arson

AUSTINTOWN — A woman who cannot speak or hear called 911 Tuesday afternoon to report a fire in her kitchen, and was later charged with arson after indicating she “possibly” set the fire herself.

Andy Frost, assistant Austintown Township fire chief, said the woman’s inability to speak has made the case unusual — but the woman did indicate that she “possibly set the fire,” which is why the charges were filed.

Frost said Austintown firefighters used water to extinguish a small trash fire in the kitchen of Lynda A. Mrofchak, 40, of 104 North Main Street, at about 1:05 p.m. Tuesday.

The fire caused about $600 worth of damage, mostly from smoke, Frost said.

Mrofchak was arraigned Wednesday morning in Mahoning County Court in Austintown on a charge of aggravated arson, a first-degree felony. Judge Joseph Houser set bond at $50,000. The penalty for a the offense is up to 10 years in prison.

For more, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com