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Reduced bail is denied Friday for accused arsonist

A request for reduced bail in the case of Warren man who pled guilty to burning down his Morrison St. home was denied on Friday.

Robert D. L. Clever II, 35, of 315 Morrison St., pled guilty in January to charges of causing or risking a catastrophe and arson – intent to collect insurance – both felonies. The offenses carry a maximum of 17 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.

His attorney, Assistant Public Defender Nicholis Milardo said during Friday’s criminal argument that he filed the motion to reduce bail at Clever’s request.

Bail was set last September at $200,000 secured.

Assistant District Attorney Cody Brown said that he is opposed to the motion.

He pointed out that Clever is set to be sentenced on arson charges and has other charges pending.

The charges stem from an incident on Sunday, Aug. 28. Smoke and fire were showing when City of Warren firefighters arrived at the Morrison St. residence.

Police said firefighters thought the fire was suspicious and a state police fire marshal was called in when the fire was extinguished.

The fire marshal also told city police that the fire was suspicious and that he would interview residents. He determined that the fire started in the kitchen near the toaster, police said.

“Through the interviews and through my investigation we proved that (Clever’s) story was incorrect,” Detective Tony Chimenti said at the time of the arrest.

In the criminal complaint, police said Clever “did start a fire in the kitchen area of his residence… the fire caused extensive damage to the residence and placed responding firefighters, police, and neighbors in danger of serious bodily injury.”

Clever was also charged by City of Warren Police which hindering apprehension or prosecution in September.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Clever drove Keller Wolfgang from Warren to Erie on the night of Aug. 24.

Wolfgang, Warren, is charged with attempted homicide; aggravated assault; simple assault; and recklessly endangering another person; in relation to an alleged stabbing on Aug. 24.

Clever and Wolfgang allegedly arranged to meet in Warren and have Clever drive Wolfgang to Erie to “meet up with a few friends.”

Judge Gregory Hammond, who presided over Friday’s argument, said that these types of offenses to present a danger to the community.

“(We are) looking for nothing but trouble giving him two weeks in the community before sentencing,” Hammond said. “I have a concern about Mr. Clever in the community.

He then denied the motion.

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