A Franklin woman, 23-year-old Kelsey Baker, is facing multiple felony charges after Sugarcreek police said she admitted to starting a May 29 fire on Lamberton Road to avoid paying for trash removal. The blaze, which spread dangerously close to a garage, vehicles, and a home, was initially blamed by Baker on others before she confessed at the scene. She is charged with arson, reckless burning, risking catastrophe, and filing a false report. Baker was arraigned Wednesday and is being held in Venango County Prison without bail, with a preliminary hearing set for Sept. 3.
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