County gives commendations in Medina arson case

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature and District Attorney Susan Howard, second from right, last week presented commendations to first responders and investigators in a Medina arson case.

Zachary Natale, 32, of Medina pleaded guilty to the crime and on April 1 was sentenced to 13 years in state prison by Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church. Natale also was ordered to pay $270,000 in restitution.

Natale admitted to setting a fire on Dec. 17, 2024 at 207 Bates Rd. That fire forced a mother and her 9-year-old son to evacuate.

Howard during the April 1 sentencing said Natale caused a “terrifying, horrifying ordeal” for the victims where they could have been killed, and also put local firefighters in danger.

Howard and County Legislator Skip Draper, right, praised the first responders for preventing a loss of life from the blaze. Howard and Draper also commended law enforcement and fire investigators for their work which led to a conviction in the case.

Pictured from left include: officer Dustin Meredith – Medina Police Department, Sargeant Jonathon McManus – Medina Police Department, Investigator Chris Seefeldt – Medina Fire Department, Investigator  Jacob Crooks – Medina Fire Department, Chief Steven Cooley – Medina Fire Department, Investigator Scott Kuhlmey – Erie County Sheriff’s Department with K-9 Clipper, Investigator Dave Clary – Orleans County Emergency Management, Investigator Brian Marsceill – Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney Susan Howard, and Legislator Skip Draper.