A Midland man who was removed from the Goldvein Volunteer Fire Department's roster during his probationary period was charged in connection with several arson fires in two counties over the weekend.
Samuel Earl Perkins and Anthony Tyrone Coachman, both 18, were arrested near Culpeper Saturday night. A 17-year-old boy was also arrested.
Perkins was charged with arson of a dwelling and three other arson-related charges, the Fauquier Times. Coachman's three charges include arson of a dwelling and charges against the 17-year-old are pending.
Fires damaged three barns and two homes before deputies spotted the car they were looking for Saturday night.
The three confessed to seven fires in Culpeper and Fauquier counties over 24 hours, the Culpeper County Sheriff's Office said.
Perkins applied to the Goldvein VFD in 2015, Chief John Woodburn III confirmed in a statement.
"Through our vetting process, the individual was determined unfit for our organization and subsequently removed from membership during his probationary period in 2016," Woodburn stated. "Mr. Perkins at no time was considered a firefighter or an emergency medical technician with our department and in no way represents our members dedication and high level of service to our community."
