June 16 – MAHANOY CITY – One of the people who escaped a fire Thursday morning was jailed later in the day after two handguns were found inside the burned building.
Due to a previous conviction for burglary, Richard Wargo, 49, who lived at 1220 E. Market St., was charged by Cpl. Charles Kovalewski with one count of Prohibited Possession of a Firearm.
He was arraigned by Shenandoah Magistrate District Judge Anthony J. Kilker and committed to the Schuylkill County Jail, unable to post $30,000 cash bond.
Kovaewski said a 9mm Hi-Point and a 45mm Hi-Point were found in a black bag in the residence.
A third gun was discovered in an area heavily damaged by fire.
Wargo lived at home with his mother, Bertha Wargo.
The fire, which started shortly after 8 a.m., was caused by accidental cooking, authorities said Thursday. It severely damaged homes at 1220 and 1222 E. Market St.
A preliminary hearing will be scheduled before Kilker.
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