MORE CHARGES FILED IN ELIZABETH ARSON CASE

(06/27/2006)
Nineteen-year-old Jerod Evans is now facing three additional counts of second-degree arson in a fire that destroyed the Roberts Store and other buildings in Elizabeth.

Evans appeared before a Wirt County magistrate yesterday and waived his right to a hearing.

At least 15 charges will be considered in September by a Wirt County grand jury.

Evans and co-defendant, 19-year-old Willie Trembly, are charged with breaking and entering the historic Roberts Store on June 14, then setting it on fire to cover their tracks.

The latest charges are related to damages to nearby buildings housing a bank, a county office and another business.

Trembly did not appear for his preliminary hearing Monday.

That hearing has been rescheduled for Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.