Man arraigned on charges for attempted arson after allegedly throwing Molotov cocktail at Albion residence

Marquis Harrell

ALBION – A man who allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the home of the mother of his children was arraigned in Orleans County Curt today on four different charges.

Marquis Harrell, 22, of Newfane, in the early morning hours on Aug. 1, allegedly was driven by an Uber driver to his ex-girlfriend’s. Police say Harrell threw a Molotov cocktail at the home, causing charring and siding damage.

Albion police officers were dispatched to the scene at about 3 a.m. on Aug. 1. Harrell’s ex-girlfriend said she received multiple threatening text messages and emails from Harrell, despite a stay away order of protection for him to not have contact with her.

The messages included threats to harm her and set her residence on fire by way of Molotov cocktail, Albion police said.

Harrell was arraigned in court today for attempted arson in the first degree, reckless endangerment in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and criminal contempt.

Harrell has been held in the Orleans County Jail since his arrest. Public defender Joanne Best asked that he be released on his recognizance but County Court Judge Sanford Church insisted that bail remain at $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond and $50,000 partially secured bond.

Best told the judge she requested a psychological evaluation be done on Harrell while his case was at the town court level but hasn’t received any results or updates.