Carthage man allegedly lit sleeping woman’s mattress on fire

CARTHAGE — A town of Wilna man faces several charges after allegedly lighting a mattress on fire while a woman was sleeping on it in January.

Gary D. Monaghan, 31, of 10470 Route 126, was charged by Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies Monday with third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree reckless endangerment, fifth-degree arson and second-degree harassment.

It is alleged that on Jan. 22 he went into the bedroom of Sharon M. Hughes, 35698 County Route 36, and set her mattress on fire while she was asleep, causing a substantial risk of injury to her and causing nearly $400 damage to the mattress. It is also alleged that he grabbed her by the head and threatened her.

He was issued appearance tickets for Wilna Town Court.