CVSA^® Solves $10 Million Arson Case

August 4, 2008, Reported by Det. Tim Mackrell, Carbondale City P.D., PA

From 2004 thru 2008 a series of arsons plagued the Lackawanna County area of N.E. Pennsylvania.  Neither local nor State Police investigators were able to develop any pattern or leads as to who may have been involved in setting the fires.  As the frequency of the fires began to increase in the Spring of 2008, Detectives Haley and Waters of the Carbondale City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit began conducting an investigation of the rape of a 15 year old girl.     

During the initial interview of the rape suspect, he freely admitted to detectives that he had engaged in sexual relations with the girl.   During the interview detectives were able to develop information that the suspect was also a volunteer fireman who was present at several of the arsons that had occurred. The suspect was asked if he had any information regarding the arsons to which he adamantly denied any involvement.  Detectives asked if he would be willing to take a CVSA exam to which the suspect immediately agreed.  

Prior to conducting the CVSA examination, it was the opinion of Detectives Aaron Haley, Jeff Waters and CVSA Analyst Det. Tim Mackrell that, based on the actions and demeanor of the suspect during the rape and subsequent questioning regarding the arsons, that the suspect was not involved in the arson fires.  However, Det./Sgt. Waters insisted that the CVSA be conducted and Det. Mackrell subsequently administered the CVSA exam.   

At the conclusion of the CVSA exam, it was determined that the suspect was being deceptive in regards to relevant questions concerning the fires.  During the post-test interview the suspect was confronted with the results of the CVSA and admitted to involvement in two of the arsons.  After further interviews with Det. Haley and State Police Arson investigators, the suspect admitted to involvement in a total of seven arsons and named an accomplice who was also arrested.    

In conclusion, seven arsons totaling and estimated ten million dollars damage were solved.   Had it not been for the insistence of Det. Sgt. Waters to conduct the CVSA exam in order to verify the suspect’s story, and for the CVSA itself, two arsonists would have continued to destroy property and endanger the lives of civilians and emergency responders.