Wednesday, February 16, 2011
new castle, pa.
A judge has ordered police to arrest a man charged in an arson who failed to appear for a preliminary hearing.
John Salvatore Zona, 45, of 6 E. Euclid Ave., was to appear Monday morning in Lawrence County Central Court. His co-defendant, Kitty Reno, 52, did appear and agreed to have her case moved to the county common pleas court. The two are charged with arson and insurance fraud in a March 26, 2010, fire at a home at 405 Whippo St., state police in New Castle said. Reno owned the residence. The fire caused $50,000 in loss.
Police said Reno was supposed to pay Zona $10,000 for setting the fire.
Central Court said Zona was properly notified of the hearing. His lawyer was present. Judge Jennifer Nicholson held the hearing without him. A bench warrant for his arrest was expected today.