Sheriff: Gang member charged with setting fire to house to cover up burglary
By: News 12 Staff Aug 13, 2021, 4:34pm Updated on: Aug 13, 2021
An alleged gang member in Sullivan County has been arrested and accused of arson.
The sheriff’s office says James Ellis, 28, from Kiamesha Lake, purposely set fire to a home on Fraser Road in the town of Thompson on Aug. 2 to cover up a burglary he committed there.
Authorities say seven people had to be evacuated, including an 11-month-old baby and a 59-year-old who was trapped and burned.
Ellis has been charged with arson, burglary, reckless endangerment and assault.
He's in Sullivan County Jail without bail.