Hudson man charged with Arson following joint investigation

PRESS RELEASE

Livingston, New York – On May 18, 2017, the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, in conjunction with the Hudson Police Department, arrested Matthew P. Sackett, 19 years old, of Hudson, New York, for Arson in the 4th Degree, a Class E Felony.On April 20, 2017 at approximately 12:10 am The New York State Police at Livingston responded to a report of a fire on State Route 9 in the Town of Livingston.  Columbia County 911 dispatched the Livingston Fire District, under the command of Chief Paul Jahns, to the scene of the fully involved barn fire.

The New York State Police in conjunction with the Columbia County Fire Coordinator’s Office and the Livingston Fire District investigated the suspicious fire.  On April 21^st , a plea to the public through local media requested assistance from any witnesses in the area. This public request generated numerous leads which ultimately led to the arrest of the defendant.

Partnered with the Hudson Police Department, the State Police continued an investigation which indicated that Sackett had started the fire that completely consumed the vacant barn.

Matthew Sackett was arraigned before Judge Robert Moore at the Town of Livingston Court.  The defendant was remanded to the Columbia County Jail without bail.  He is scheduled to reappear in Livingston Court on May 25, 2017.

The Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka, the Hudson Police Department, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Columbia County Fire Coordinator’s Office, all assisted with the above investigation.