Penobscot County Man on Trial for Torching Fire Marshal’s Car

A trial is underway in Bangor for a man accused of setting fire to two camps and a state fire marshal's vehicle.

54-year-old John Weckerly of Prentiss Plantation faces a dozen charges including arson, criminal mischief and burglary, in connection with the crimes in northern Penobscot County over a period of several months. Police said he also damaged logging equipment parked on a neighbor's property. District Attorney Christopher Almy stated in court that  Weckerly was upset about the noise from loggers near his home.

Weckerly is also accused of setting fire to a state fire marshal’s vehicle in August 2011 while investigators were in the area gathering evidence in the crimes.  Officers used dogs to track down Weckerly. Almy said a bucket of gasoline was found along the road leading to Weckerly’s house. Police also reportedly found gasoline-soaked gloves in his shed.

Weckerly faces up to 30 years in prison on each of the arson charges if convicted.