FRANCONIA TWP., Pa. — A Montgomery County volunteer firefighter is facing multiple criminal charges after investigators accused him of setting a series of fires and then responding to the incidents as part of his fire company.
According to court documents, Justin Sholly, 29, has been charged with arson and related offenses in connection with three separate fires that occurred within a roughly 30-hour period on May 29 and May 30.
Authorities allege the fires occurred in Franconia Township and neighboring communities, prompting responses from several local fire departments.
The first incident was reported shortly before 12:30 p.m. on May 29 when the Perseverance Volunteer Fire Company responded to a trash fire in Franconia Township.
Later that same day, Perseverance firefighters and mutual aid companies were dispatched to a fire involving a detached garage and barn in Souderton Borough.
Investigators said a third fire was reported during the early morning hours of May 30 when the Harleysville Community Fire Company and other emergency responders were called to a barn fire in Franconia Township. Authorities said the blaze caused damage to three vehicles, a shed, an outhouse, and a gazebo located on the property.
Court records allege Sholly responded to the incidents alongside fellow firefighters after the fires had been ignited.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details regarding a possible motive. As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Sholly is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
More information, including court proceedings and additional details from investigators, is expected to be released as the case moves forward.
Source: Montgomery County court records.
