Arson Trial Set to Start in Starke Circuit Court

 
 

Almost a year after a set fire destroyed a Knox business the owner is scheduled to stand trial in Starke Circuit Court. James Campbell owns C&C Salvage on U.S. 35 just south of Toto Road. It caught fire on March 20. The Bass Lake, Knox-Center Township, Hamlet, Washington Township, Koontz Lake, North Judson-Wayne Township, San Pierre and Monterey Fire Departments all responded to the blaze and spent several hours getting it under control. One firefighter was injured. Black smoke was visible for miles, and a brigade of tanker trucks hauled water to the scene.

Campbell was arrested for arson eight days later following an investigation by the Starke County Sheriff’s Department and state fire marshal’s office. He faces between 20 and 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted of arson as an A felony. Proceedings begin this morning at 9 in Starke Circuit Court, where two weeks have been set aside for the trial.