Rutledge, Bean & Degroot Face Arson Charges

(NORTH HURON, ON) – Huron OPP officers have arrested and charged three 19 year old males in relation to crimes that took place in Blyth between June 27, 2012 and July 3, 2012. Fires were set at Thuell Street and Queen Street in Blyth causing damage to a street sign, the roadway, a small tree and some landscaping lights. On June 27, 2012 a brush pile was set ablaze at the North Huron sewage plant located at 117 North Street. The fire caused approximately $3,000 in damage to the asphalt beneath the brush pile. Later on July 3, 2012 police responded to a Queen Street address to investigate an arson that destroyed a 1998 Dodge Durango.

Officers received information later in July that ultimately led to the arrest and charges against the three males this week.

Dimitri DEGROOT, 19, from Goderich, has been charged with Arson – Damage to Property and Breach of Probation in connection with his involvement in the arson to the North Huron sewage plant brush pile fire. He was released from custody and has a scheduled court appearance on August 27, 2012 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

Brandon BEAN, 19, from Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh has been charged with the following: Theft Under $5,000 for stealing a gasoline container and landscaping lights from a Thuell Street property. Three counts of Arson for damaging a Thuell Street road sign, the roadway itself and the landscaping lights. Arson to the North Huron sewage plant brush pile fire. Also, he is charged with Arson for a Fraudulent Purpose for his involvement in the arson to the Dodge Durango. In addition, he is facing two counts of Public Mischief for reporting an offence that was not committed in relation to the arson of the Dodge Durango. As well, he has been charged with five counts of breach of probation. He has been released from custody and has a scheduled court appearance set for August 27, 2012 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

John RUTLEDGE, 19, from North Huron has been charged with Arson to the North Huron sewage plant brush pile fire, Arson for a Fraudulent Purpose in connection with destroying his Dodge Durango and making a fraudulent insurance claim and two counts of Public Mischief causing police to enter into a false investigation. He has been released from custody and has a scheduled court appearance set for August 27, 2012 at the Ontario Court of Justice – Goderich.

Over 150,000 Monthly Readers! 1 Million+ Across the entire FreePress Network.