Evicted resident indicted for burning down mobile homes

NEW PHILADELPHIA – The 24-year-old New Philadelphia man accused of burning down two mobile homes in October has been indicted by the grand jury on four felony counts, including aggravated arson.

CHANCE CAWLEY (TCSO)

New Philadelphia police say Chance Cawley had recently been evicted from one of the homes that was destroyed in the 300 block of 11^th Street NW on Oct. 26.

Police say Cawley admitted to throwing a cigarette on a pile of trash inside that home, setting a fire that destroyed that unit and one next to it and damaged a third.

Police Chief Tessa Pohovey said first responders were able to evacuate people and pets from the neighboring homes before anyone was hurt.

This week the Tuscarawas County grand jury indicted Cawley on two counts of aggravated arson, one count of arson and one count of burglary.

The seriousness of the charges range from first-degree felony, punishable by at least 3 years in prison, to 4^th-degree felony, punishable by at least six months in prison.

Court records indicate Cawley was released after posting a $10,000 surety bond on Dec. 2. He was served a court summons on Tuesday. No court dates have been scheduled.

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