JENKS TWP., Pa. (EYT) – Charges have been filed against a state prison inmate for a fire authorities say he set in his cell at SCI-Forest in April.
Gabriel Omar Rosa-Diaz, 32, faces numerous charges, including two felonies. Court documents indicate criminal charges were filed against Rosa-Diaz in the Forest County District Magistrate Daniel L. Miller’s office.
As of August 2, Rosa-Diaz is awaiting a preliminary hearing on the following charges:
- Arson-Danger Of Death Or Bodily Injury, Felony 1
- Arson Endangering Property-Reckless Endangerment of Inhabited Buildings, Felony 2
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2
- Criminal Mischief/Damage Property Intentionally, Reckless, or
- Negligence, Misdemeanor 3
- Dangerous Burning, Summary
According to a criminal complaint filed District Judge Daniel L. Miller’s Office, State Police Tpr. Kathleen L. Watters, who works out of the Marienville station and is also a Troop C Assistant Deputy Fire Marshall, was called to SCI-Forest on April 12 to investigate a fire which occurred April 11. The fire started inside a cell that was occupied by only one inmate identified as the defendant, Gabriel Rosa-Diaz.
Watters’ investigation revealed that Rosa-Diaz allegedly placed his mattress, pillow and other combustibles on the floor just inside his cell door. Rosa-Diaz then ignited the items with an open flame. The fire caused a large amount of smoke damage to the interior of the cell before it was extinguished by corrections officers.
A number of officers and other inmates were exposed to smoke and fire extinguisher residue. Damage to the cell was estimated at $890.
Rosa-Diaz is awaiting a preliminary hearing.
