Man to Admit Setting Fires at Oklahoma Building

A man accused of setting fires that damaged a historical building in Bartlesville has waived his right to a jury trial.

Fifty-one-year-old Robert Boyce announced at a pre-trial hearing Tuesday he would plead guilty to second-degree arson, manufacturing methamphetamine, filing a false insurance claim and other counts. Boyce’s next court date is Nov. 30.

According to the Tulsa World, authorities alleged Boyce set fires in August 2009 and December 2009 that damaged the May Brothers Building. It house the family business run by Bartlesville retailer Mike May and his relatives for 100 years.

Robert’s Restaurant, which Boyce once owned, also was located there.

Boyce’s trial was scheduled to begin on Monday.

His attorney, listed in court records as Jim Conatser, didn’t immediately return a call on Tuesday seeking comment.