By KAYLA J. MARSH
Staff Writer
A 19-year-old Fair Haven volunteer firefighter has been charged with one count of second degree aggravated arson following an investigation into a fire that occurred on the property of a borough church late last week, according to officials.
Following a joint investigation by the Monmouth County’s Prosecutor’s Office and Fair Haven Police Department, Nicholas Joyce, of Fair Haven, was charged with setting fire to a shed behind the United Methodist Church on Ridge Road.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, Joyce has been released from custody after posting $5,000 bail with a 10 percent option, which was set by Municipal Court Judge James Berube.
According to officials, Joyce could face up to 10 years in a New Jersey State Prison if convicted of aggravated arson, and, subject to the No Early Release Act, would be required to serve 85 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Decker.
Shortly before 4:30 p.m. on April 1, the Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at the United Methodist Church at 300 Ridge Road, according to the release from the Prosecutor’s Office.
Upon arrival at the scene, responders located a fire in the exterior rear of a shed located on the church property.
According to the release, the shed was used by a local Boy Scout troop, containing property and supplies for the organization.
Officials said responding firefighters contained and extinguished the fire quickly and according to the release from the Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation into the fire indicates Joyce, a member of the responding Fair Haven Fire Department and a former Boy Scout, set the blaze prior to returning to the firehouse and assisted fellow firefighters at the scene.
