Southampton Man Indicted on Attempted Arson Charge

A Hampshire County Grand Jury returned an indictment on August 2, 2011, charging Jonathan Francis White, of Southampton, with attempted arson in connection with his alleged attempt to burn down a house located at 3 East Street in Southampton over the weekend.

The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in state prison. He is expected to be arraigned in Hampshire Superior Court tomorrow (Wednesday). 

Allegations against White follow an investigation by local police and fire officials, as well as troopers assigned to the State Fire Marshall’s Office. It revealed that a natural gas line had been left open inside the residence which allowed gas to flow into the residence. An aerosol can of starting fluid in a microwave oven programmed to start via a timer. 

White was apprehended in Gloucester over the weekend and pleaded not guilty in to attempted arson of a dwelling in Hampshire District Court on Monday.  White was being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Russo