By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Somerset County announced the arrest of Paul Basta, 25, of June Place, Manville, in relation to arson.
Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald stated that on Monday, May 15, 2023, at approximately 3:43 a.m., Manville Police officers responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a residential fire.
The Manville Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire.
According to officials, upon arriving on the scene, Manville Police requested the assistance of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fire Investigation Unit.
Officials said an investigation was thereafter initiated by detectives with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Fire Investigation Unit and Major Crimes Unit, along with detectives from the Manville Police, regarding the cause and origin of the fire.
Also assisting with the investigation was the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s office, K-9.
The investigation revealed that Paul Basta was suspected of intentionally setting fire to a residence in the Borough of Manville, officials say.
As a result of this investigation, officials said that on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, Defendant Paul Basta was arrested at his residence and charged with two counts of 2nd-degree, Aggravated Arson.
According to officials, defendant Paul Basta was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing in this matter.
Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Roman, and Manville Lieutenant Craig Jeremiah request anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the Manville Police Department at (908) 725-1900 or via the STOPit app.