The owner of a Merlin garage that was demolished in a fire is pleased Chatham-Kent police have charged two men with arson.
Dan Maris, owner of Maris Technical, says he’s glad charges have been laid because he was afraid that the investigation was going to lead to nothing. He’s happy to see that there were some results.
"I can't thank Chatham-Kent police enough for working for four and a half months to come to this day," says Maris.
Jeffrey James Newham, 28, of Tilbury, Darrin Karl Newham, 26, have been charged with arson in connection to a structure fire at Maris Technical on Oct. 5, 2012 in Merlin.
Damage was estimated at $275,000. No one was injured as a result of the incident, but Maris says his business has suffered.
“Income has been sliced in half and it just is all uncertain as to what's going to go on next," says Maris.
Police have also arrested six other people for property-related offences after a three month investigation.
David Allen, 62, of Merlin, Christopher Paul Caza, 33, of Tilbury, Justin Harvey Burtch, 34, of Dresden, Robert William McVety, 29 of Chatham, Christine Susan Donais, 33, of Tilbury and one youth have been charged.
They are facing various property related offences including break and enter, possession of stolen property, and attempt to obstruct justice.
Police say most of the crimes took place in the townships of Raleigh and Tilbury.
The identified suspects have been arrested and charged. One adult male remains in custody.
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the fire or other property related offences can contact Det. Const. Greg Cranston at 519-436-6621 or gregc@chatham-kent.ca or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
