Man pleads in one case, waives arson charges
A 41-year-old man pleaded guilty Tuesday to lesser charges relating to the possession of nunchucks, but waived to court other charges relating to a burglary and arson investigation in Center Township.
Jaison L. Trout, who has no known address, spoke to his public defender, Michael McFarland, through a video conference call before his preliminary hearing before District Judge Lewis Stoughton.
Trout pleaded guilty to a third-degree misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge in lieu of two first-degree misdemeanors, one for having a prohibited offensive weapon and one for possession of a weapon on school property.
According to the criminal complaint, state police arrested Trout Aug. 5 behind the Center Township Elementary School on Mercer Road for having a set of nunchucks hanging around his neck while walking through the school's parking lot. Police also acknowledged he was noticed as a person of interest in another investigation.
In accordance with the plea deal, Stoughton sentenced Trout to time served and the payment of fines and fees; however, Trout will remain in Butler County Jail under $50,000 bond while he awaits further action in another set of charges relating to the arson of a vacant Center Township home.
On Tuesday, Trout waived to court five felony and two misdemeanor charges of burglary, arson, trespass, risking catastrophe, mischief, theft and device fraud.
According to the criminal complaint, Trout broke into a vacant house, stole items from its deceased former owner and then set the house on fire.
Police said they questioned Trout about his involvement with the Center Township home shortly after his arrest for the nunchucks. Police said Trout admitted to starting the fires.
Trout's formal arraignment for the burglary and arson charges will be at 1 p.m. Nov. 3 before Common Pleas Judge William Shaffer.
On his client's behalf, McFarland offered no comment, but before leaving court Tuesday he requested for his own files the paperwork for a mental health evaluation ordered by Stoughton at the defendant's arraignment last month. Stoughton approved the request.
