2 arrested in trio of Delaware church arsons

Walter Perez Image
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
VIDEO: Church arson arrests
Two people were arrested for setting three church fires.

FELTON, Del. (WPVI) -- The Delaware State Fire Marshal's office has arrested two men in connection with the three Felton church arsons last week.

Deputy fire marshals apprehended 26-year-old Alex J. Harrington Jr. (pictured left) in the High Point Mobile Home Park Monday afternoon. He was charged with three counts of Arson in the 2nd degree, three counts of Burglary in the 3rd degree, and three counts of Conspiracy in the 2nd degree. He is awaiting arraignment.

At the same time, other deputy fire marshals arrested 25-year-old Joseph Skochelak (pictured right) in a Dover, Delaware apartment complex. He was charged with three counts of Arson in the 2nd degree, three counts of Burglary in the 3rd degree, and three counts of Conspiracy in the 2nd degree. He is awaiting arraignment.

Police say the duo are responsible for the arsons that damaged the Healing Hands Christian Church, Manship Chapel and the Laws Mennonite Church on December 2nd.

Harrington and Skochelak have been committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in lieu of $30,000 cash bond for each person.

Delaware State Fire Marshal's office worked with the Delaware State Police, the ATF, and the FBI on this investigation.