Justin Tyler Sholly, 29, of Souderton, was arrested on Sunday, May 31, after investigators linked him to three intentionally set fires in Franconia Township and Souderton over a roughly 30-hour period, according to Pennsylvania State Police and court records.
Sholly, a member of the Perseverance Volunteer Fire Company, admitted to setting all three fires during an interview with detectives, according to the criminal complaint obtained by NBC10.
In a statement issued Tuesday, June 2, Perseverance Volunteer Fire Company confirmed Sholly has been suspended immediately due to the charges and said it intends to remove him from the organization depending on the outcome of the case.
“The actions described in the criminal charges stand in complete opposition to the core values, mission, and dedication of our company,” the department said.
The fire company said it is fully cooperating with local law enforcement, Pennsylvania State Police, and fire marshals during the investigation.
The investigation began when firefighters responded to a pile of wood logs burning near Forman and Schoolhouse roads in Franconia Township at 12:25 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, police stated in the complaint, according to NBC10.
Several hours later, at 4:17 a.m., crews responded to a detached garage and barn fire near the 100 block of West Chestnut Street in Souderton. Ten people were inside two nearby homes at the time, according to investigators.
The third fire was reported at 4:31 a.m. on Friday, May 30, along Schoolhouse Road and Harleysville Pike in Franconia Township, as detailed in the complaint. A barn, three vehicles, a shed, an outhouse, and a gazebo were destroyed or damaged in the blaze, police said. Eight people were inside a nearby home at the time.
Investigators, including the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal, determined all three fires had been intentionally set and were connected.
Police used automated license plate reader data to identify a black 2015 Ford Edge that was near each fire scene shortly before the blazes started. The vehicle was registered to Sholly, according to the affidavit.
Surveillance footage also showed Sholly arriving at the Perseverance Volunteer Fire Company shortly before firefighters were dispatched to the May 30 blaze, investigators said.
During an interview with detectives, Sholly admitted to setting all three fires, 6abc Action News reports, citing the criminal complaint. He told investigators he set the detached garage fire on West Chestnut Street because a former boss who fired him in 2025 lived on the property, court records show.
Investigators later recovered fire starter logs, wood logs, a lighter, lighter fluid, a fire radio, and additional fire-starting materials from Sholly’s vehicle and garage, police said.
Authorities also allege Sholly responded to two of the fires alongside fellow members of the volunteer fire company after setting them.
Court records show Sholly is charged with multiple counts of Felony Arson-Danger of Death or Bodily Injury, Felony Causing Catastrophe, Felony Arson-Intent Destroy Unoccupied Building, Felony Reckless Burning or Exploding, Felony Criminal Mischief, Misdemeanor Fail To Control/Report Dangerous Fire, Misdemeanor Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and related offenses. He was unable to post $500,000 bail and remains housed in Montgomery County Prison. His preliminary hearing is scheduled before District Judge Adam T. Katzman at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10.
The department also sought to reassure residents that the allegations do not reflect its members as a whole.
“We want to assure the community that this incident does not represent the character or integrity of our dedicated volunteers,” the statement reads. “Our emergency response services remain fully operational, and our commitment to serving the public remains steadfast.”
Daily Voice has reached out to the court and Sholly’s attorney. Check back here for updates.
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