Man Arrested in Connection with Mount Olive Fire Investigation

Published on May 11, 2021

Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker, and Mount Olive Police Department Chief Stephen Beecher announce the arrest of Anthony Rondan, 29, of Budd Lake, New Jersey on charges related to a fire that occurred on May 9, 2021 in Flanders.

At approximately 4:46 a.m., an officer on patrol in Flanders observed smoke at a vacant, historical business known as Ye Old Mill Shoppe on Route 206, and requested fire and first aid respond to the scene. Upon further investigation, it was determined that Rondan allegedly discarded a lit cigarette while inside the building.

Rondan has been charged with one (1) count of Failure to Report a Dangerous Fire, a crime of the fourth degree in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1(c), and one (1) count of Criminal Trespass, a disorderly persons offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2(a). The defendant was charged by way of a summons-complaint, and was released on his own recognizance.

The investigation was conducted by the Mount Olive Fire Marshal, Mount Olive Police Department, Morris County Sheriff Crime Scene Investigation Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Arson and Environmental Crimes Unit. Flanders Fire and First Aid departments and Budd Lake Fire and First Aid responded, with additional support from surrounding jurisdictions including Roxbury Fire Company, Long Valley and Chester Fire Engines, Long Valley and Roxbury EMS, Fairmont Fire and Hackettstown Intervention Crew.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this defendant is presumed innocent until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Meghan Knab at [email protected] or by phone at 973-829-8159.   

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