Five charged with arson for trying to torch house

WALDEN – Four Middletown residents have been arrested by Walden Village Police in connection with a residential arson that occurred on October 15, 2007 at 3 Hidden View Drive.

A fifth person involved, Albert Reed, also of Middletown, is currently in the Orange County Jail on unrelated charges.

Police said on October 14, 2007, Sarah Murray and William Board were looking to retaliate against Murray’s estranged husband, Christopher Mroczkowski.

Murray’s uncle, Albert Reed, knew gang member Carlos Agusto-Colon, who was willing to set the fire.

The four drove to Walden and met with Christopher Zeman, who was waiting with a container of kerosene.

Around midnight, Agusto-Colon set fire to the swing on the front port, police said. The fire put itself out after the five fled the scene.

The swing, front porch and siding were damaged.

Mroczkowski’s parents were sleeping inside the residence at the time.

The five suspects returned to Middletown. Reed and Agusto-Colon received money from Murray for arranging and setting the fire.

The four arrested were charged with second-degree arson and were remanded to the Orange County Jail.

Other charges will be added by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Walden Police said.

A warrant for Reed was obtained. He is to appear on June 25.