Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovlerand Town of Montgomery Police Chief John Hank Announce Arrest in Arson at Valley Central High School
Juvenile Offender Charged with Arson in the Second Degreeand Related Charges
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler and Town of Montgomery Police Chief John Hank announced an arrest in connection with fires started at Valley Central High School on January 9, 2025. Because of the age of the juvenile offender charged, no further information about the juvenile can be released.
As alleged in charges filed in court, on January 9, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the juvenile started two separate fires in two bathrooms on the second floor of the school, while classes were in session and when over 1,300 students were present in the building. Another student was present in one of the restroom stalls when one of the fires was started. As a result, there was fire damage and charring to the bathroom. No one was injured in the fire.
A prompt investigation was conducted by the Town of Montgomery Police Department, together with members of Hudson Valley Arson & Explosives Task Force (including two Orange County District Attorney’s Office Investigators) and the Montgomery Fire Department. Those agencies were also assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives – Hudson Valley Field Office, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and the Orange County Fire Investigation Unit.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked all of the law enforcement agencies who worked together to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation to promote public safety, especially ofthose students and faculty in attendance that day. District Attorney Hoovler also thanked the Valley Central School District for their assistance and cooperation during the investigation.
“The unsettling allegations in this case were quickly investigated by talented members of law enforcement, including the Hudson Valley Arson & Explosives Task Force,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “Thankfully, there were no injuries in this case despite the danger posed by the actions of the alleged offender. Arson investigations present unique challenges and I praise the work of the police and investigators which resulted in this arrest. We will continue to supply the necessary resources in order to investigate arson crimes in Orange County.”
“The coordination between the Town of Montgomery Police and the Hudson Valley Arson & Explosives Task Force, along with the cooperation from the Valley Central School District, led to an arrest of the juvenile allegedly responsible,” said Town of Montgomery Police Chief John Hank.
A criminal charge is merely an allegation by the police that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.