The arrests and charges of four people in connection to a fatal fire at a Spring Valley, New York residential assisted living facility in March that claimed the lives of a firefighter as well as a resident were announced Tuesday by Thomas Walsh, Rockland County District Attorney.
Walsh stated that two other people were also charged with actions at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults prior to the fire.
Nathaniel Sommer, their father and Aaron Sommer are facing two counts each of manslaughter and arson in the second degree.
Both were arraigned Tuesday when bail was set. Walsh stated that they will be back in court on July 2.
Two were charged with falsifying records business records
Walsh stated that two individuals working at the Village of Spring Valley Building Department have been charged with falsifying business records and offering false filing instruments. Walsh stated that both were charged with misconduct and actions while working for the department. It is not clear if either of them is still employed by the department.
Walsh stated that Wayne Ballard faces one count for offering a false instrument to file and one count for falsifying business records in the second degree.
The district attorney stated that Raymond Canario faces three counts for offering a false instrument to file and three counts for falsifying business records in the second degree.
The district attorney stated that Canario and Ballard’s actions were “associated with their governmental responsibility.”
After their arrest, Canario and Ballard were freed and a court date was set for them both on July 13, before a Spring Valley court.
CNN was unable to locate an attorney for either man.
Two were charged with misconduct at an assisted living facility prior to the fire.
Walsh stated at a news conference that Denise Kerr was also charged with reckless endangerment second degree for her conduct at the center.
Walsh stated that Manuel Lema was indicted on one count of criminal impersonation and obstruction of governmental administration.
CNN could not identify an attorney for either person.
Walsh stated that he won’t release any details that could impact the prosecution of the March 23rd fire case, but that he does plan to present all charges against the six defendants to a grand jury for indictment.
“We owe them justice,” said the district attorney in reference to the deceased resident, Jared Lloyd, and the firefighter.