Lang
8/20/22
A local transient with a lengthy criminal history has pleaded not guilty to charges that he intentionally set a fire outside Shelter House.
46-year-old Michael Dacunos is facing a 1st Degree Arson charge after he was allegedly seen on-camera walking up to a pile of abandoned property sitting against the Southgate Avenue facility and then walking away. Shortly afterwards, smoke and flames began coming from the area where the property was left.
Shelter House suffered burn and smoke damage to the outside of the property, with the odor of smoke permeating the entire building.
Dacunos entered a not guilty plea at Friday’s arraignment. Judge Justin Lightfoot set a trial date for October 4th. A case management conference is scheduled for September 16th.
If convicted, Dacunos faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.
Dacunos lists his address as The 501 Project, which is the new apartment building Shelter House just opened next door.