WATERFORD -- An Albany County volunteer firefighter indicted this week on charges he set fire to a Brant Lake home and general store has now been charged with the rape of a 16-year-old girl.
Brian Hodges, 27, of Loudon Road, Colonie, was charged with third-degree rape, third-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree sexual abuse stemming from accusations he had a sexual relationship with the minor, said State Trooper Maureen Tuffey.
The incidents allegedly occurred from 2005 until early 2006, according to Waterford police, who said Hodges implicated himself while being interrogated about the fire.
Police have said Hodges burned down the North Country building to get his two teenaged cousins back home. The girls were sent by their father to live with a relative. The father, whose name is being withheld to protect the girl's identity, said he sent his daughters away to keep them from Brian Hodges. His sister owns the general store and they lived above it.
Hodges is a 10-year member of Colonie's Boght Fire Company, which has suspended him until the criminal charges are resolved. He is free on $20,000 bail from Warren County and $10,000 bail from Saratoga County.
He will be arranged Monday on the arson and reckless endangerment charges.
