GUELPH – The man charged in connection with a number of suspicious fires throughout Wellington County will next appear in court on April 9.
Justin Nicholas Johnathon Beal, of Guelph-Eramosa, has been charged with seven counts of arson.
While his matter was being handled at the Ontario Court of Justice, it was moved to the Superior Court of Justice after the March 20 to 22 discovery hearing.
While his appearance next week is scheduled as “to be spoken to,” his pre-trial date will likely be scheduled at that time.
Charges
Beal was first charged at the end of October 2017 for six fires and again in January 2018 for a seventh fire.
From September 2016 to August 2017, Wellington County OPP and fire officials responded to numerous fires, most of which were in abandoned rural homes and buildings.
A multi-jurisdictional team consisting of police, fire officials and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office investigated a total of 18 blazes.
Fires
Beal was charged in relation to the following fires:
– Oct. 14, 2016 house fire at 5230 Third Line, Guelph-Eramosa;
– Oct. 19, 2016 house fire at 5292 Third Line, Guelph-Eramosa;
– Dec. 5, 2016 barn fire at 7070 Fife Road in Guelph-Eramosa;
– Feb. 3, 2017 shed fire at 6873 Highway 7 Guelph-Eramosa;
– Feb. 3, 2017 house and barn fire at 5413 Township Road 3, Guelph-Eramosa;
– June 25, 2017 shed fire at 5324 Wellington Road 125, Erin; and
– June 25, 2017 house fire at 8813 Sideroad 27, Erin.
