2nd teen charged in Middletown church arson

A second Middletown teen has been charged in connection with a church fire on Jan. 22, this news outlet has learned.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with failure to report a crime and receiving stolen property, according to police Lt. Jimmy Cunningham.

He said the boy was not at Tytus Avenue First Church of God when another 16-year-old Middletown boy allegedly set the church on fire after breaking in and stealing $1,000 and other items.

Police said the boy was in possession of a computer that allegedly was stolen from the church. He will appear in Butler County juvenile court next month.

Police said the 16-year-old charged with arson, breaking and entering and theft probably will face additional charges. They also said others will be charged in connection with the church fire at Tytus Avenue Church of God, 3300 Tytus Ave.

The fire caused about $450,000 in damages, fire officials said.

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