PALMER TWP., Pa. — A Palmer Township man already facing indecent assault charges linked to a student will face further charges of arson and related crimes stemming from a fire at his home earlier this week.
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announced Friday that Andrew Wolke, 53, had been charged with arson following an investigation completed by Pennsylvania State Police Troop M fire marshals.
On Wednesday, state troopers were preparing to serve a search warrant on Wolke’s home on Countryside Court when they witnessed a fire start in the residence shortly after Wolke had entered.
Police said Wolke then exited the home via a second-story window, though he did go back inside.
Palmer Township Fire Department responded and removed Wolke, the only person inside, from the residence.
Once the fire was contained, a search warrant was obtained, resulting in the seizure of two phones, a portfolio, and multiple lighters, authorities said.
The origin point of the fire contained various combustible items including binders, papers, clothing, bedding, and a wicker basket, and investigators were able to determine the fire was intentionally ignited, according to Baratta.
Wolke will be arraigned on the new charges. Details on bail and a preliminary hearing have not yet been released.
Wolke is also facing charges including corruption of minors, unlawful contact with a minor, indecent assault, and harassment linked to allegations of “sexually charged behavior” directed toward a teenage student.
According to the district attorney's office, Wolke had once served as a "host father" for exchange students at Bethlehem Catholic High School.
On Thursday he was arraigned before District Judge Nicholas Englesson and ordered held on $100,000 bail in relation to those charges. A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 3.
