2nd suspect in Bethel Twp. arson case arrested

Kristen Spicker, Springfield News-Sun, Ohio
·1 min read

Jan. 18—A second person charged in connection to an arson at a Bethel Twp. house in September has been taken into custody and returned to Miami County.

U.S. Marshals found 30-year-old Nicholas A. Kelch of Greenville in Clarksville, Tennessee, according to the Miami County Sheriff's Office. He was extradited to Miami County and booked into the county jail.

Kelch and 38-year-old Stephanie L. Cahill of Fairborn are both facing one count of aggravated arson for a Sept. 6 fire in the 5500 block of Ross Road.

The house was a total loss and the fire deemed suspicious, the sheriff's office said.

During the investigation, Cahill and Kelch were identified as two suspects. Cahill was arrested in November and has since been released on bail, according to the sheriff's office.

Kelch pleaded not guilty to the charge on Tuesday and his bond was set at $500,000, according to Miami County Municipal Court records. His next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23.

Cahill previously pleaded not guilty in November and her bond was set at $100,000. She's scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 25.