MONROE - Two Monroe men were arrested over the weekend after a 2016 incident in which the two allegedly set a barn on fire in the Town of Clarno before one of them sexually assaulted a woman.
James Leroy Sweeney, 35, and Christopher Michael Coite, 32, each face a Class C felony charge of arson, while Sweeney faces an additional Class G felony count of third-degree sexual assault.
Coite was arrested Saturday while Sweeney was arrested Sunday.
The pair were charged in connection to a barn fire that occurred on April 15, 2016 in the N600 block of County HK, Town of Clarno.
According to a witness, Sweeney picked up Coite and the witness for drinks before Sweeney announced that, because a farmer owed him money, he would burn down the farmer's barn.
Sweeney, Coite and the witness then traveled to the barn, where the two men attempted to set a fire before leaving. Shortly thereafter, Sweeney dropped Coite off at his residence before returning to the barn with the witness to see if the fire was successful.
Because the fire had failed to start, Sweeney re-entered the barn to try again. This time, he was successful and the witness said she could see the barn consumed by flames as Sweeney drove away.
Shortly thereafter, Sweeney attempted to have sex with the witness at a Monroe residence. Although the witness repeatedly said "no," Sweeney undressed her and had sex with her.
Sweeney then reportedly drove the witness home and said he "hoped she wasn't mad at him."
Sweeney and Coite had initial court appearances Monday.
Coite's charge bears a maximum possible sentence of 25 years in prison; Sweeney's charges carry a maximum of 30 years.
James Leroy Sweeney, 35, and Christopher Michael Coite, 32, each face a Class C felony charge of arson, while Sweeney faces an additional Class G felony count of third-degree sexual assault.
Coite was arrested Saturday while Sweeney was arrested Sunday.
The pair were charged in connection to a barn fire that occurred on April 15, 2016 in the N600 block of County HK, Town of Clarno.
According to a witness, Sweeney picked up Coite and the witness for drinks before Sweeney announced that, because a farmer owed him money, he would burn down the farmer's barn.
Sweeney, Coite and the witness then traveled to the barn, where the two men attempted to set a fire before leaving. Shortly thereafter, Sweeney dropped Coite off at his residence before returning to the barn with the witness to see if the fire was successful.
Because the fire had failed to start, Sweeney re-entered the barn to try again. This time, he was successful and the witness said she could see the barn consumed by flames as Sweeney drove away.
Shortly thereafter, Sweeney attempted to have sex with the witness at a Monroe residence. Although the witness repeatedly said "no," Sweeney undressed her and had sex with her.
Sweeney then reportedly drove the witness home and said he "hoped she wasn't mad at him."
Sweeney and Coite had initial court appearances Monday.
Coite's charge bears a maximum possible sentence of 25 years in prison; Sweeney's charges carry a maximum of 30 years.