MAYVILLE – A motion to release the man accused of setting multiple fires in both the Jamestown and Falconer area in 2017 was denied by Chautauqua County Court Judge David Foley Thursday.
Public Defender Ned Barone originally petitioned the court to release Jonathan Young, 21, into the custody of county probation.
“Mr. Young should not suffer, or be punished,” Barone argued. Young’s trial, which was scheduled to begin with jury selection on Apr. 12, can’t begin until the Appellate Division in Rochester hears an appeal from the District Attorney’s Office regarding a previous decision from Foley.
Assistant District Attorney John Zuroski, however, argued that bail shouldn’t be eliminated or reduced based on the fact that Young left New York for Pennsylvania after he allegedly set the fires in New York.
“We’re somewhat disappointed that the judge didn’t lower the bail, although our focus is still on the outcome of the case,” Barone told WNYNewsNow following the hearing. “We’re encouraged with where we are at.”
Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson declined comment.
Young is accused of setting 12 fires in the Falconer and Jamestown area. He is charged with 14 counts of arson and 11 counts of criminal mischief.
In December the Chautauqua County native rejected a plea deal that would’ve sentenced him to 10 years in prison for each of the two counts of second-degree arson he faces, plus five years of post-supervision.
Young remains in Chautauqua County Jail on $1,000,000 bail.
What this guy did caused a lot more damage that goes unacknowledged. His fired cost people homes, killed pets, and the losses and damage spiraled out and effected many more people on top of that.
Because of him, a co-worker lost her home, which cost her all the money she had. In turn, she robbed thousands of dollars from me, out of desperation to pay for a place for her family to stay with no help and short notice.
Why does everyone want to feel bad for someone who did so much damage, so selfishly and carelessly?
Death, damage, people losing homes, lots of money… don’t let him get away with all that, simply because he looks like someone you should feel sorry for.