Edison Cop Pleads Not Guilty to Fire at Captain’s House

An Edison police officer has denied setting fire to the home of his police captain.

Officer Michael Dotro pleaded not guilty Friday to aggravated arson and five counts of attempted murder.

Investigators say a Monday fire at the Monroe Township home of Edison Police Capt. Mark Anderko had been intentionally set.

Dotro has been an Edison police officer for nine years. The 35-year-old Manalapan resident was arrested and charged Thursday.

A superior court judge in New Brunswick has continued Dotro's bail at $5 million.

Dotro's attorney, Lawrence Bitterman, tells The Home News Tribune he plans to request a bail reduction.

Anderko, his wife, two children and 92-year-old mother were home at the time of the fire, but weren't injured.

Officials say the fire caused extensive damage to Anderko's home.

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