Ex-Manager Indicted for Arson at Massachusetts Animal Shelter

A grand jury has indicted a former manager for allegedly setting fire in the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ headquarters while more than 200 animals and several veterinarians were in the building.

Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley said Wednesday that William Fitzgerald of Plymouth is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday on charges of arson of a dwelling, willful and wanton destruction of property and injury to a firefighter.

The Suffolk County Grand Jury indicted the 52-year-old Fitzgerald on Tuesday on charges stemming from the Feb. 19 fire. No animals or workers were injured.

Fitzgerald was the MSPCA manager of buildings and grounds when he allegedly set the fire. He has since been fired.

Defense attorney Kevin Reddington says Fitzgerald is innocent and looks forward to go to court to clear his name.