N.Y. FARMER ARRAIGNED ON ARSON THAT KILLED 24 COWS

A Worcester, N.Y., farm owner has been arraigned on charges in connection with a fire that killed 24 cows. Peter Mravlja was charged with arson, insurance fraud and witness tampering following a nearly three-year investigation by local authorities and the state insurance department. He was released after posting $5,000 bail, said Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl.

Mravlja Farms, owned jointly by Peter Mravlja and his father, George Mravlja, closed after the fire in April, 2003. The cause was initially listed as undetermined, Muehl said.

The Otsego County Patrons Co-Operative Fire Relief Association of Schenevus paid Mravlja Farms a total of $143,555 for its losses. But spurred by a confidential tip, authorities learned the Mravlja family farm “was in severe financial distress at the time of the fire, creating a potential motive for both arson and insurance fraud,” Muehl said.