PROCTORVILLE – Charges are expected to be filed today against a Proctorville area teen in connection with three structure fires that occurred this month.

The 17-year-old will face two counts of arson, a fourth degree felony; three counts of breaking and entering, a fifth degree felony; and an additional first-degree misdemeanor count of arson.

“He initially was a witness and came forward as a witness and through interviews made statements that implicated himself,” Shane Cartmill, public information officer for the division of state fire marshal, said.

The first fire destroyed an abandoned house at 628 Township Road 86 on April 7. The second destroyed another abandoned house at 697 Township Road 86 on April 11; and the third damaged an outside shed at 628 Township Road 86 on April 14.

The charges will be filed by the state fire marshal’s office. Cartmill said he couldn’t comment as far as motive or means.

If the juvenile would be charged as an adult, he could face penalties of 6 to 18 months in prison and up to a $5,000 fine for each felony arson count; six to 12 months and up to $2,500 for each of the three breaking and entering counts; and six months and up to $1,000 for the misdemeanor arson charge.

Currently, the juvenile is not in custody, Cartmill said. A court date will be set by the prosecutor’s office.