Arson, trespass charges withdrawn
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An East Bethlehem Township man was released from Washington County jail Wednesday after felony charges including arson filed against him last week were withdrawn at a preliminary hearing.
Richard Allen Liberatore, 44, of 312 Second St., Vestaburg, was charged by East Bethlehem police with arson, causing or risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, theft and retaliation against witnesses stemming from a June 30 theft of a lawn mower and a fire at garage at 405 Hill St.
A witness for the prosecution on the arson-related charges did not show up to testify in the Central Court hearing. All but the theft charge were withdrawn. A charge of receiving stolen property also was added to the case.
Assistant District Attorney Michael Fagella asked District Judge Jay Weller to release Liberatore on $1,000 unsecured bond. He had been in Washington County jail on $75,000 bond since his July 10 arraignment.