GLOVERSVILLE — Three area teenagers were arrested last week in connection with the massive Feb. 10 fire that destroyed a good portion of the former JBF Industries tannery at 41 W. 11th Ave.
Gloversville police announced today the arrests of: Allen H. Vosburgh Jr., 17, of 5 Getman St., Gloversville, and Joseph S. Banovic Jr., 17, of 111 Second Ave., Mayfield – both arrested April 19; and David C. Taylor, 19, of 18 Lexington Ave., Gloversville, who was charged on an April 21 warrant.
Police said all three face felony counts of fourth-degree arson and first-degree reckless endangerment.
A news release issued today said city police, the Gloversville Fire Department, the Fulton County Office of Emergency Management and the state Office of Fire Prevention and Control responded to a large structure at the old tannery, the former JBF leather mill. Responding agencies found a fully involved blaze, which destroyed the building.
Police said the fire was deemed arson. An investigation into the incident, which consisted of numerous interviews, a review of both public and private surveillance cameras, led to the suspects being identified.
“Gloversville Police Department detectives allege that Joseph Banovic Jr., Allen Vosburgh Jr. and David Taylor intentionally ignited the fire, which led to the building being destroyed,” the release said.
Banonvic and Vosbugh came to the police station, where they were charged and held for arraignment. After unsuccessful attempts to locate Taylor, he was charge o a warrant.
According to Fulton County Jail officials, Vosburgh and Taylor are out on bail. Banovic was still being held at the correctional facility.
