Beckwith declined to comment if there were any additional suspects in the case.

“We’re grateful to the ATF for their assistance,” Beckwith said. “They were an integral part of the investigation.”

Pope didn’t say anything as he was taken into the courtroom of Magisterial District Judge Rita Marwood of Linesville for arraignment.

Although several of Pope’s family members attempted to block a Tribune photographer and reporter from taking pictures of Pope entering the building, family members apologized for their actions following the hearing. Dressed in a black T-shirt and black jeans, Pope was in handcuffs and legcuffs as he was taken into the building.

Pope said little at his arraignment before Marwood other than answering basic questions. He told Marwood he had dropped out of Linesville High School after 11th grade and had been working at Molded Fiber Glass Co. in Linesville since last August.

Pope told Marwood he had no prior record and had no history of drug, alcohol or mental health problems.

When asked by a reporter, police confirmed Pope is not a fireman.

On Thursday, two former volunteer firemen entered guilty pleas in Crawford County Court to nine counts of arson each in connection with a series of fires in the Saegertown area between August and December 2007.

If convicted on all charges, Pope faces a maximum 110 years in jail and $200,000 in fines. Marwood set bond Pope’s bond at $100,000; he was committed to Crawford County jail in Saegertown.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled before Marwood on April 11.

Keith Gushard can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com.