Saratoga Co. FF faces arson AND rape charges

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wten.com, Albany NY

Firefighter Charged in Blaze, Now Faces Rape Charges

Nov 15, 2006 06:28 PM EST

A bizarre twist in the case of a firefighter already charged with arson. He is now facing sex charges, and the D.A. says, the crimes are linked.

27-year-old Brian Hodges was arrested recently for allegedly setting the fire that destroyed the Brant Lake General Store over the summer. He was charged with arson, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment.

But now, police say they know why he did it, and they are adding rape to the list of charges.

NEWS10's John Craig has more on how cops made the connection.

"Apparently, it involves Hodges allegedly stalking and having sex with this underage girl," says Saratoga County District Attorney James Murphy. "He knew this girl."

Murphy is adding rape charges to Brian Hodges, a man already charged with arson in Warren County.

"It is very rare to have an arson case that kind of turns into a statutory rape case in this county," says Murphy.

Police are charging Hodges with third-degree rape of a 16-year-old Waterford girl. The rape allegedly happened between December of 2005 and March of 2006.

Then, five months later, the fire happened. The Brant Lake General Store in the Town of Horicon burned to the ground August 1st.

In the course of their investigation, authorities say Hodges admitted he was upset that two female cousins, both teenagers, were staying there off and on for part of the summer. He wanted to show them the rear of the house was a fire hazard.

"He allegedly threw his cigarette underneath there, which caused some fire to start," Murphy says. "The smoldering became a blaze, the blaze became a full engulf."

The investigation into the fire led to charges against Hodges, who is a volunteer firefighter, and now the rape.

"We'll prosecute these things in tandem," says Murphy. "That doesn't mean that we'll cut one deal together, but we'll keep apprised of each others investigation and prosecution, and work together on the case."

Hodges cousin owned the Brant Lake General Store. It and the house burned to the ground, but no one was hurt.

Hodges says he tried to alert the people inside by throwing sticks at the window. He says he never intended for anyone to get hurt.

He is in the Saratoga County Jail now, in lieu of 10-thousand dollars bail. Hodges is due back in court December 14th on the rape charge.

[Graham26 8]

This is why we dont have nice things. He should locked away for just buring down Dabys general store but an added rape charge!!! There are some really sick people out ther! Hopefully 25 to life.