May 12, 2006 By Patty Yauger And Josh Krysak 2 min read

A Springfield Township man charged with setting fire to six area buildings during a three-month span waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday on arson charges stemming from a fire at a North Union Township store. Robert Franklin Ray Jr., 25, of 1066 Mount Tabor Road now will face two counts of arson in Fayette County Court in the Feb. 22 fire at the Dollar Tree store at the Fayette Plaza.

Ray also faces upcoming preliminary hearings before magisterial district judges Robert Breakiron and Dwight Shaner on multiple felony charges connected to eight separate arsons in Bullskin, Dunbar and Springfield townships.

In a criminal complaint filed on Dec. 12, 2005, by Trooper William Large, state police fire marshal, Ray was charged with setting fire to the Dollar General Store on Crossroads Road in Bullskin Township while employees were in the store.

Police said that Ray returned to the same store on Feb. 8 and again set fire to the building that led to an evacuation of the complex that houses the discount store.

Six area fire companies responded to the 5 p.m. fire that severely damaged the interior of the building.

Then on Jan. 11, police said Ray set fire to a Mount Tabor Road home in Springfield Township.

Police also said Ray set fire to the BFS Store on Memorial Boulevard in the Dunbar Township. Police said that fire occurred between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Ray also is charged with returning to the Dunbar Township convenience store a week later, on Feb. 14, and setting a second fire between the same hours.

Additionally, Ray is charged with setting fire to the Ye Olde Inn in Dunbar Township and a private home in Bullskin Township.

Police charged Ray with 14 felony arson counts for the separate incidents.

Ray is being held in the Fayette County Prison on a combined bond of $230,000.