ATLANTA --
Joseph Pendergrass, 57, was charged with involuntary manslaughter for the death of Atlanta Firefighter Steven Solomon.
During his first court appearances in 2006, Pendergrass, was denied bond by the Judge working the case.
But CBS Atlanta News confirmed through a Fulton County Court spokesperson that Pendergrass was given bond in May of 2007. Since that time, Pendergrass has been out of jail. After making bond he did not show up to any more court appearances and basically dropped off the face of the earth.
In February, an officer working narcotics noticed Pendergrass rolling something that appeared to be marijuana.
"It turned out to be tobacco. When the officer asked for the man's name he didn't get a hit. Finally the officer got Pendergrass' real name and when he ran it through the system felony warrants came back for his arrest," Lt. Johnny Fagler said. "He said, well the warrant is for the death of a firefighter back in 2006," Fagler said.
Solomon, 33, died while battling a blaze at a vacant home in Vine City.
During a sweep of the house to make sure there was no one inside, the home exploded into flames. Solomon got disoriented and couldn't get out. He suffered third degree burns over 30 percent of his body and died six days later at Grady Hospital's Burn Center. Solomon was a husband and father of four. He had only worked in Atlanta for 4 months. He had previously worked for 6 years with the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department.
Fire officials said Pendergrass started the fire with a candle and knew it was burning out of control but left the house and never told firefighters on scene no one was inside the house.
Pendergrass is now facing charges of possession of cocaine, involuntary manslaughter, criminal damage to property and reckless conduct. He is currently in the Fulton County Jail on a no bond hold.
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