Published January 13, 2015
An 18-year-old volunteer fireman has been charged with arson in a series of six fires in Merrillville since late November.
James M. Edwards III of Crown Point, a volunteer with the Merrillville Fire Department, remained in the Lake County Jail under $80,000 bond Wednesday night. Conviction on all counts could carry a prison term of up to 35 years, Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter said.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Edwards admitted setting the fires starting Nov. 28 at a vacant apartment building under construction.
Later fires, all in late January and early this month, were at a catering business inside Merrillville's Croatian Center; Grandma's Country Depot, about three blocks away; and three vehicles at the nearby Exhaust Master auto repair shop.
Edwards said he started the fires "for the call-outs," according to the affidavit filed with Lake Superior Court.
https://www.foxnews.com/story/volunteer-teen-fireman-charged-with-arson