WATERVILLE — A city man has been charged with arson in connection with two cemetery fires set July 21 in the city’s South End, according to police.

Jon Duffy, 34, of Waterville, was summoned Friday by Officer Steve Brame on two charges of arson after Duffy confessed to the crime, police said.

People who live in the area and others who saw the fires were interviewed by Brame during the investigation, according to police. The first fire was reported around 1 p.m. at Pine Grove Cemetery and the second was reported around 2 p.m. at adjacent St. Francis Cemetery. Both were fires in piles of brush that were put out quickly by Parks and Recreation Department workers on the scene before firefighters arrived.

St. Francis Cemetery reported little damage. The fire was in an undeveloped space, so there was nothing to fix, Director Mike Hebert said.

Pine Grove Cemetery did not return a phone call immediately.

Duffy reportedly was seen in the area of both fires and was seen leaving the scene of the second fire, Deputy Chief Bill Bonney said.

Duffy confessed to committing both arsons but did not offer a clear motive, Bonney said. Duffy, who has no criminal record, also reportedly was seen watching a fire in the city before, Bonney said.

“This is somebody who’s been infatuated with fire,” Bonney said.

Arson is a class A felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. “It is a serious charge,” Bonney said.

Duffy is scheduled to appear Sept. 26 in Kennebec County Superior Court.

Madeline St. Amour – 861-9239

mstamour@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @madelinestamour

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