Trial date set for firefighter charged with arson

YOUNGSTOWN —An ex-city firefighter fired after being charged with arson and criminal damaging is to go on trial Jan. 13 to answer the two misdemeanor counts.

But the city prosecutor’s office and Elizabeth Bernard, the attorney for former firefighter Patrick B. George, told Magistrate Anthony Sertick Jr. of Youngstown Municipal Court today that they are working on a resolution to avoid a trial.

Police charged George of Eden Lane, 33, in September with the two misdemeanors.

George, one of three partners in a large-trash-container business, is accused of burning a computer owned by the business.

On Oct. 16, city Fire Chief John J. O’Neill Jr. fired George, an 11-year department veteran.

For the complete story, read Saturday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com