Investigators Looking For Cause Of Ohio Blaze
MIAMI COUNTY, Ohio --
Troy fire investigators, with the help of the state Fire Marshal's Office, are looking for the cause of a fire that destroyed the home of James Clay in the 5000 block of Troy-Sidney Road north of Troy in Miami County late Friday night. The fire appears to be an act of arson.
Investigators said the fire could also be a possible hate crime. Racial slurs were spray-painted in black on Clay's white car to include the N-word, and the words "guilty" and "leave" on each side door.
Clay was arraigned on Dec. 13 in Miami County Common Pleas Court where he entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of sexual battery. He stands accused of having sex with a high school student at Troy Christian High School where Clay coached basketball until recently. He is free on his own recognizance awaiting trial.
A very distraught Clay said at the scene, "In Miami County I am guilty until proven innocent."
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