A Rockland man has turned himself in after being charged in connection with the fatal fire at a Spring Valley adult home that killed a resident and a volunteer firefighter in March. Published reports say 47 year-old Manuel Lema, turned himself in late last week to the Rockland D.A.’s office, though his role with the Evergreen Court Home for Adults and in the fire are not clear. He is charged with criminal impersonation and obstructing governmental administration. On Friday’s “Who Wants to be a Volunteer” program, Rockland’s Fire and Emergency Services Director Chris Kear said the investigation into the blaze hasn’t stopped…
Lema was released and is due in Spring Valley Justice Court tomorrow. Five others have been charged in connection to the fatal blaze, including the head of Spring Valley’s building and public works department, Wayne Ballard, formerly Clarkstown’s Highway Superintendent, and the village’s chief building inspector, Raymond Canario. Rocklanders Aaron Sommer and his son, Nathaniel, are both charged with two counts of manslaughter, two counts of assault and arson in the fourth degree. Officials are still seeking Evergreen’s Executive Director Denise Kerr.