Ohio Firefighter Investigation Grows to Five

May 3, 2007
The Ohio Fire Marshal's Office said the investigation surrounding an abandoned house fire near Bellaire now has five suspects.

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ROCK HILL, Ohio-- Investigators said a 17-year-old could also face charges involving a house fire.

The Ohio Fire Marshal's Office said the investigation surrounding an abandoned house fire near Bellaire now has five suspects.

All five suspects are volunteers for the Rock Hill Fire Department.

Thomas Phillips, Alexander Avila, Dustin Lewis and Christopher Huff have already been charged with misdemeanor arson.

On Tuesday, the prosecutor's office said they are also pursuing the possibility of charges for a 17-year-old male through the juvenile court system in Belmont County.

The Ohio Fire Marshal's Office said this investigation should not be an example of the integrity of the area's local firefighters.

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