Grand jury will hear case of church arson

POTSDAM — The case of an 18-year-old boy accused of setting fire to St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church last year will be given to a St. Lawrence County grand jury.

Craig A. Foley, 114A Smith Road, appeared Wednesday before Judge Joseph T. Welch in Potsdam Village Court. Assistant Public Defender Christopher R. Curley, representing Mr. Foley, waived a preliminary hearing and will let a grand jury hear the case.

Mr. Foley was charged last month with felony third-degree arson in connection with the Oct. 29 fire that damaged the church's altar and the carpet around it.

An automated fire alarm prevented more serious damage from occurring. Police have said they believed an accelerant was used to start the fire.

The teen told police he went to the church "to talk to God" because he wanted to release his anger after fighting with his stepfather. He lit some candles and a book of matches at the altar, along with stabbing two knives into a fake pumpkin, according to his police statement.

Mr. Foley then tossed the burning book of matches onto the rug, which quickly ignited. He attempted to put out the fire, but had no luck.

"This is when I came to the realization that this isn't the best way to let off frustration," Mr. Foley said in the police statement.

He remains released under probation supervision.