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Authorities Arrest 6 Suspects In Jeannette Arson Cases

JEANNETTE (KDKA) -- Police in Westmoreland County have taken six men into custody in connection with several cases of arson in Jeannette.

Investigators announced the arrests at a news conference at Jeannette City Hall Wednesday morning.

According to investigators, the suspects arrested today are currently facing charges in nine arson cases.

While they are only charged in those cases at this time, investigators say it's likely that those same suspects may face charges in all 24 fires that have been ruled as arson in Jeannette over last four years.

Five of the suspects brought into the police station today for questioning were identified. They include 23-year-old Jeffery Tierney, 22-year-old Christopher Jones, 21-year-old John Horn, and brothers, Richard Adare, 27, and Roger Adare, 26.

The other suspect is a 17-year-old juvenile and is not being identified because he is under the age of 18.

They have been charged with arson, criminal conspiracy and criminal trespass. Roger Adare and John Horn are also facing a charge of aggravated assault for a fire in which a firefighter was injured.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) became involved in the investigation back in February and the fires stopped shortly afterwards.

During the news conference, investigators declined to elaborate on how they were led to the suspects.

"People can rest easy now," said John Peck, the Westmoreland County District Attorney. "I think that the law enforcement is satisfied the people who are behind these numerous fires that were caused in the City of Jeannette have been arrested and are under arrest and incarcerated at the present time."

Following their arrests, the suspects were arraigned and then taken to jail.

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