Deptford Firefighter Admits Burning Empty Home

A southern New Jersey firefighter has admitted taking gasoline from a fire station and using it to burn down a vacant home.

Twenty-three-year-old Michael Petrilak pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree arson. Under the plea deal, Gloucester County prosecutors will recommend five years in prison when he's sentenced March 1.

Petrilak's will also have to pay $60,000 in restitution and will be barred from government jobs. He also may be recommended to enter a fire-starter treatment program.

The Deptford Township volunteer has been in jail on bail of $10,000 since he was arrested, just days after the fire in January 2012.

Charges are still pending against a second man in the case, 20-year-old Lewis Brooks Jr. of Westville.

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