GOSHEN, N.Y. – A Middletown man has pleaded guilty to charges of arson and bail jumping in connection with a 2021 fire in Port Jervis, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced Tuesday.
Hui Zhang, 53, admitted in court to setting fire to a building he owned, which was under renovation at the time, and to failing to appear in court after being charged. Under the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend consecutive sentences of two to six years for the arson charge and one to three years for bail jumping, totaling a maximum of nine years in prison.
The fire occurred on September 30, 2021, at approximately 3:30 a.m. Investigators determined that the blaze had at least three points of origin, indicating it was intentionally set. Zhang later admitted to police that he intentionally started the fire and held insurance policies on the property.
After being charged, Zhang failed to appear in Port Jervis City Court, prompting a warrant for his arrest. He was later apprehended in New Jersey and extradited to Orange County.
“Arson is an inherently dangerous crime, which poses grave risks to people and property,” District Attorney Hoovler said, commending law enforcement for their thorough investigation. “Thankfully, this defendant’s greedy actions did not result in any injuries.”
Zhang is scheduled to be sentenced on February 10, 2025, before Judge Craig Stephen Brown.