According to Shenandoah Police Lieutenant William Moyer, Felix Bermejo, of Shenandoah was arraigned Wednesday on charges of Arson, causing or risking a catastrophe, insurance fraud, and recklessly endangering after setting fire to his own home.
According to court documents, on January 18th, 2021, around 8:40pm, fire and police were called to 322 West Penn Street, Shenandoah, for a house fire.
When crews responded they found smoke coming from the home and heavy fire coming from the basement of the home.
Lieutenant Moyer, Shenandoah Assistant Fire Chief Rick Examitas, and State Police Fire Marshall Joseph Burns investigated the incident for a cause.
Through interviews, investigators learned that Bermejo had recently purchased an insurance policy for the home on January 4th, 2021 and that the fire started on a couch in the basement.
Investigators also obtained security cam showing Bermejo in the basement of the home along with a visible flame. Prior to leaving the home, Bermejo could be seen adding something to the flame.
Bermejo was taken into custody on Wednesday, arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post his $50,000 cash bail.