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FULTONVILLE – A Schenectady man has been charged with arson in connection with a June fire at a Fultonville home, Montgomery County Sheriff’s officials said.
Michael D. Bell, 37, of Schenectady, was arrested Wednesday and charged with one count of third-degree arson and aggravated cruelty to animals, felonies, along with misdemeanor reckless endangerment.
Bell is accused of arson in connection with a June fire at his then-residence in Fultonville, officials said. The fire caused extensive damage to the home and caused the deaths of one or more pets inside the home at the time, officials said.
The investigation determined Bell intentionally caused the blaze, officials said. A release did not offer further details on the fire.
Bell was arraigned and released to return to court later.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s office was assisted by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Montgomery County Emergency Management, and the Office of Montgomery County District Attorney Lorraine Diamond.
Numerous local fire departments assisted in the initial response and putting the fire out.
