Crime, Regional Interest

Prosecutor: Middletown Man Charged with Arson of Family’s Home

A Middletown man has been arrested and charged with the arson of his family’s home, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced on Thursday

Thomas A. Farzan, 30, was charged with third-degree arson and fourth-degree resisting arrest in connection with a fire at 161 Cherry Tree Lane, his family’s home.

The case background …

At approximately 5:42 p.m., on March 4, the Middletown Township Police and Fire departments responded to a fire at the Cherry Tree Lane address. Upon arrival, authorities observed smoke billowing from the home. Upon attempting to find an entry point to the home, officials noticed a male standing near the back door. Upon questioning, Farzan attempted to flee police and, after a brief struggle, was arrested.

An investigation from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Middletown Township Police and the Monmouth County Fire Marshal revealed that Farzan had been staying at the house recently and that the house is owned by Farzan’s family, where his mother also lives.

No one was found in the home at the time law enforcement and fire officials arrived. The investigation further determined that the fire originated in the living room of the home and, based on the fire’s pattern, was deemed incendiary.

Farzan is currently lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution and will have a detention hearing before Judge Paul X. Escandon on March 10.

If convicted of third degree Arson, Farzan faces five years in a New Jersey State Prison. If convicted of fourth degree Resisting Arrest, Farzan faces 18 months in a New Jersey state prison.

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