Hartwig, in “severe financial distress,” is alleged to have tampered with the home’s gas line to the fireplace “to burn at least part of it so he could collect the insurance proceeds,” Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell said in a text message.
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“His children were in the home when this happened,” Fornshell added.
No one was injured.
Hartwig was indicted on one count of aggravated arson and two counts of endangering children, according to a list of indictments released by the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office.
The press release indicated Hartwig was in the Warren County Jail, but court records indicate $25,000 bond had been posted after his arraignment in Warren County Common Pleas Court.
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Hughes’ release also thanked the Warren County Fire Investigation Team for assistance in the case.
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