Aug 15, 2008 By Josh Krysak 1 min read

A Ronco woman accused of burning down a home in German Township in June has waived a charge of arson against her to Fayette County Court. Crystal Gail Hartman, 28, of 619 Meadow St. was charged Aug. 4 before Magisterial District Judge Randy S. Abraham with the single felony count following the fire at her neighbor’s home at 624 Meadow St.

She waived the charges in a preliminary hearing Thursday before Abraham.

According to state police Fire Marshal William J. Large, the fire broke out at the home of Stella Markatan at 1:39 a.m. June 13.

Large said fire crews found the house engulfed in flames when they arrived. After the fire was extinguished, Large said that Ronco Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robin Spear requested the fire marshal investigate the cause of the blaze.

Large said he investigated the fire June 16 and ruled it to be arson.

He said after following leads, he interviewed Hartman June 18 and she allegedly admitted to setting the blaze. She was subsequently charged.

No further details regarding the fire were available Thursday.