New Philadelphia arson suspect back in jail without bail

NEW PHILADELPHIA – A New Philadelphia arson suspect who apparently missed a court date is now back in jail without bail.

Chance Cawley (TCSO)

Chance Cawley, 24, was indicted in December on four felony counts, including first-degree aggravated arson, for allegedly burning down a mobile home he had been evicted from on 11^th Street NW in October. That fire spread to two neighboring homes and destroyed one of those, too. Nobody was hurt thanks to quick action by police and firefighters, according to New Philadelphia Police Chief Tessa Pohovey. She says officers fought through thick smoke to get residents out in one home, and firefighters rescued pets from another.

Cawley had posted a $10,000 surety bond on December 2^nd but missed a January 6^th arraignment hearing, according to court records.

Cawley was back in custody this week. He pleaded not guilty to the indictment.

Judge Michael Ernest revoked his earlier bond and ordered Cawley to go back to the Tuscarawas County Jail without bail to await further court proceedings.

A telephone pretrial is scheduled for Tuesday.

Written by