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Criminal charges have been withdrawn against an Arnold assistant fire chief, who, along with his teenage son, was accused of kidnapping the son’s pregnant girlfriend and holding her against her will for over a month.
The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office withdrew five charges, including kidnapping and burglary, that were filed against Brian James Gouza, 47, in November.
“I’m ecstatic,” Gouza said. “I can go back to work. My nightmare is over.”
The charges were withdrawn on Thursday, the same day a preliminary hearing was scheduled before District Judge Frank J. Pallone Jr. in New Kensington. The hearing was not held.