Arsonists get 5 years probation
ALBION – Two Medina men were sentenced today to five years probation, 150 hours of community service and joint restitution for setting a house on fire last September.
Edward Schneider, 21, and Christopher Swan, 21, were charged with third-degree arson after a vacant house was set on fire last Sept. 12. The building at 11228 Ridge Rd. in the town of Ridgeway was owned by Schneider’s mother, Antoinette Schneider. She had insurance on the house.
The two also were charged with second-degree assault, a Class D Felony, because a firefighter was injured while fighting the fire.
“This was a foolish, bad decision you guys made,” Orleans County Court Judge James Punch said during the sentencing. “You could have killed someone by your actions.”
The two men are long-time friends. Punch ordered that they have no contact with each other. They also have to share a $484 restitution bill.
The judge told them to seek and maintain gainful employment. Their wages will be garnished until the restitution is paid.
