A fire investigation at the former Butler Correctional Facility in Wayne County has resulted in felony charges against two teenagers accused of breaking into a building and setting multiple fires inside.
An 18-year-old and a 17-year-old were arrested following a New York State Police investigation into an incident reported June 3 at the abandoned prison property on Westbury Cutoff Road in the Town of Butler.
According to investigators, the pair unlawfully entered a maintenance building and allegedly started several fires using paper and cardboard before spray-painting graffiti inside the structure. Members of the Red Creek Fire Department responded and extinguished the fires before significant additional damage could occur.
The 18-year-old was charged with third-degree burglary, fourth-degree arson and fourth-degree criminal mischief. State Police said he was processed at the Wolcott barracks and arraigned in Wayne County CAP Court.
The 17-year-old was charged with third-degree burglary. He surrendered to State Police in Lyons on June 9, was processed and arraigned in Wayne County Youth Part Court before being released on his own recognizance.
State Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
All suspects accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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