Medford Man Indicted for 2009 Fire

A Medford man has been indicted for setting fire to his neighbor’s home, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone and State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan announced today.

Jerard DeMattia, 51, of Medford, is charged with one count of burning a dwelling, breaking and entering in the nighttime and malicious damage to property over $250.

DeMattia will be arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court on April 27 at 2 pm.

According to authorities, on July 15, 2009 at around midnight, Medford fire and police departments were dispatched to 142 Exchange Street , for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, units discovered a fire in one home in a series of row houses. Fire officials were able to put out the fire and no one was injured.

As a result of the investigation conducted by fire investigators from the Medford Fire Department, detectives from the Medford Police Department, and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, DeMattia was arrested in the early hours of July 16, 2009.

“Arson is a deliberate crime committed with a lack of respect for human life and personal property,” Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone said. “I commend the persistent efforts and dedication of the investigators in this case and we are thankful that no one was injured in this brazen crime.”

“Arson is never a victimless crime,” State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan said. “I commend the joint investigations for their thorough investigation and swift arrest of this arsonist and for bringing the district attorney a solid case to prosecute.”

The Assistant District Attorney assigned to this case is Nicole Allain.

These charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Announcement from Middlesex County District Attorney Gerry Leone