MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

Local News

Discussion

May 16, 2011

Firefighter arrested in connection with arson

An Oklahoma Forestry Service firefighter was arrested Monday in connection with a series of wildfires intentionally set in Cherokee County.

Mike Malenski, 38, was placed on administrative leave pending termination following the arrest. Malenski served seven years as a forest ranger based in Tahlequah.

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, & Forestry law enforcement officers investigated the fires after receiving calls regarding the possibility of arson. Officials said they will be presenting the case to the Cherokee County District Attorney for prosecution.

“We investigate arson and we bring those we catch to justice. It was regrettable that it was one of our own employees,” said Mark Goeller, assistant director in charge of fire operations with Oklahoma Forestry Services.

Arson is a felony punishable by up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.

Text Only
Local News
AP Video
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8 Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8 Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
Poll

Should Congress cut federal food programs in its effort to reduce government spending?

Yes
No
     View Results
Featured Ads
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
Stocks