FARMINGTON — A former East Dixfield firefighter was indicted Friday, charged with torching the Countryfolk Music Theatre on Route 2 last year while he was a caretaker there.
Jason Baldwin, 28, of East Dixfield was indicted on a charge of felony arson. A conviction carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
At the time of the fire on Oct. 15, 2014, Baldwin was a caretaker of the East Dixfield property owned by Larry Bisbee.
Baldwin was charged a few days after the blaze. He admitted to the crime during questioning by investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, state fire investigator Sgt. Joel Davis said last year. Baldwin apparently claimed to discover the fire and was one of the neighbors who used fire extinguishers to knock it down, Davis previously said.
There was minimal damage to the building.
Chief Randy Hall of the East Dixfield Fire Department said Baldwin was dismissed from the department after he was charged.
dperry@sunmediagroup.net
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