An Endicott, NY firefighter has been charged with setting his own home on fire and attempting to cover it up by blaming Black Lives Matter protesters.
WBNG in Binghamton reports:
An Endicott firefighter pleaded not guilty to arson in Broome County Court Tuesday.
Jason Stokes, 41, is accused of setting fire to his own home at 410 East Main St. in Endicott in August. His family was able to escape.
At the time of the fire, a family member told 12 News they believed the house was targeted.
The house had a “Blue Lives Matter” flag flying out front. The family member said a message reading “lie with pigs, fry like bacon” had been found on the house.
Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell confirmed the statement was written and believes Stokes wrote the message to help cover up his crime.
Pro-police sites reportedly said the slogan came from what Stokes heard being shouted at a supposed Black Lives Matter protest.
Reports also state that Stokes appeared to have put forth his best Home Alone imitation by setting booby-traps around the house in addition to setting it on fire.
Stokes is being held at the Broome County Jail. His bail is set at $10,000 cash or $20,000 in property.
Screenshot: WBNG
