Published: October 23, 2008 12:24 am      

Women arrested after alleged thefts at fire-damaged home

Pair reportedly entered city dwelling

CUMBERLAND — Two Springdale Street women were arrested Wednesday on charges stemming from alleged burglary and theft of items from a nearby residence that was extensively damaged by fire in May.

Cumberland Police arrested Jessica Virginia Oates Serafin, 25, and Brenda Kay Robertson, 37, each on various charges that included burglary, felony theft and felony destruction of property.

Serafin was jailed on $7,500 bond and Robertson on $10,000 bond, pending trial in district court.

Police said a third arrest is anticipated as the investigation by Cumberland Police and C3I continues.

The unspecified stolen items were taken from 217-219 Springdale St. where fire of an unknown origin that was ruled as arson caused extensive damage May 28.

The arrests were made when a search warrant was executed at the residence of the defendants, police said.

The cause and origin of the fire remains under investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Cumberland Fire Department.

The fire caused a property loss that was estimated initially at $200,000, according to the city fire department.

The fire originated in a rear storage shed where numerous flammable materials were stored and then spread to the two-story brick duplex.