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A 36-year-old Somerset County man was convicted of aggravated arson and related charges after intentionally lighting a house with nine people on fire and causing the death of two cats.
Patrick M. Hammond, of Somerville Borough, was convicted of the following charges after an April 21 non-jury bench trial, Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said in a joint release with other county officials:
Second-degree aggravated arson
Third-degree endangering the welfare of a child (four counts)
Third-degree animal cruelty (two counts)
Disorderly person criminal mischief
Hammond was also charged with first-degree attempted murder and found not guilty, Robertson said.
Hammond used a flammable liquid to start a fire in a home occupied by nine people on Dec. 30, 2018, Robertson said.