Former Edgeworth Firefighters To Stand Trial

Charges against two former volunteer firefighters accused of going on a vandalism spree through two communities were waived today to Allegheny County Common Pleas Court.  

At the urging of their separate defense attorneys, one of two arson charges filed against Brandon Marcell Diewald and Justin Edward Chorba, both 18, was dropped at Tuesday’s preliminary hearing. The dismissed charge was a first-degree felony that involves endangering people.

Leetsdale Magisterial District Judge Robert Ford ordered the two Leetsdale residents to stand trial on a lesser, third-degree felony arson charge, along with criminal mischief and conspiracy. Ford lowered bond for Diewald and Chorba from $30,000 to $5,000, warning them to stay away from the Edgeworth Fire Department and refrain from criminal activity.

Police in and  said the men went out about 2:30 a.m. June 22 and damaged nine cars in the two boroughs and used Old Spice body spray as an accelerant and lighters to set fire to a pile of garbage in front of a home on Shields Lane in Edgeworth. The fire was only several feet away from a utility police vehicle, police said.

According to a criminal complaint, Diewald called 911 to report the fire after the two had started it. The two confessed to police that they had vandalized property because they were bored.

Diewald posted bond after Tuesday’s hearing and offered no comment after leaving the court.

Chorba, who did not post bail, declined comment as he was led out of the court and back to Allegheny County Jail.

The two were new volunteer firefighters with the Edgeworth Volunteer Fire Department, but neither is a member of the department as a result of their arrests.

Police said Chorba enlisted in the military prior to his arrest and was scheduled to leave for basic training this week.