Teen Admits Role Arson Fire of Historic N.Y. Home

June 20--EAST GREENBUSH -- A 17-year-old town teen pleaded guilty to arson and will get probation for taking part in setting a fire last August that leveled an historic home on Start Avenue.

Thomas Snyder appeared before Rensselaer County Judge Debra Young Wednesday and pleaded guilty to 4th-degree arson. He must serve five years' probation and pay $750 in restitution. Also, Snyder was given youthful offender status meaning his record will be sealed.

Snyder and three 15-year-old teens allegedly started a fire which leveled the vacant Kospa Farmhouse on Aug. 29.

At first ,Young asked, "did you use a lighter to set some papers hanging out a window on fire?"

Snyder balked at the question and talked to his attorney, Matthew Hug, who then had a brief bench conference with the judge.

Young then asked "Did you and others set fire to the building?"

"Yes," Snyder said.

"Did it result in the complete destruction of the building?"

"Yes," Snyder answered.

Officials said it was one of the 15-year-olds who actually used the lighter to torch the home, built by a Dutch farmer and which may have dated to the early 18th Century. The vacant house stood on 100 acres at the end of Start Avenue, an area frequented by teenagers.

The youths, all charged with arson, had their cases handled through family court and their names were never released.

Police said alert neighbors were able to describe the teens who were back there that night, what they were wearing and even the bikes they were riding.

Copyright 2013 - Times Union, Albany, N.Y.