Former fireman arrested for torching house trailer, motor home

MONTICELLO – The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office has cracked the case of an arson fire that destroyed a house trailer and motor home on Route 42 in the Town of Forestburgh.

Both facilities were fully involved in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene in the early afternoon on February 21. The residence was unoccupied as the owner, Cornelius Harris, 67, moved to senior housing in Monticello a few years ago and used the trailer for personal storage.

Police investigated and circulated a composite sketch of a possible suspect, said Sheriff’s Patrol Division Chief Arthur Hawker.

That led to the arrest Tuesday of Steven Kozachuk, Jr., 41, of Forestburgh, said Patrol Division Chief Arthur Hawker. Kozachuk admitted to setting the fires, said Hawker.

The former Forestburgh fireman was charged with third-degree burglary and third-degree arson. He was arraigned and remanded to the Sullivan County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Sheriff Michael Schiff said this case and possible connections to other fires are still under investigation.