Accused arsonist arraigned in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - An accused Northampton arsonist was back in court today to be arraigned on new charges relating to a two-year long series of fires.

Anthony Baye is being held without bail after pleading not guilty to more than 40 charges, including murder, armed burglary, and setting 26 fires in Northampton neighborhoods.

Northamptonresidents recall the dozens of fires that flared up in their neighborhood between 2007 and 2009. One of those fires killed Paul Yeskie and his son, Paul Yeskie, Junior.

They call it a nightmare they vividly remember.

“What was wild is we called the fire department a couple of times and a couple hours went by. It seemed odd nobody showed up. The finally the dispatcher said you know, I'm sorry, there's so many fires around town,” said Williams St. resident John Gibson.

More than a week ago the the D-A's office actually dropped the charges against Baye because the state's highest court ruled his confession invalid... but on Thursday, Baye was arraigned on  a new 42-count indictment, accusing him of arson and murder.

Special Assistant District Attorney Brett Vottero admits Baye's recorded confession was a key piece of evidence, but he says he's confident that even without it they're moving forward with a strong case.

“Without that statement it's necessary to present a different case, but we believe it's a strong case and a convincing case,” Vottero said.

But Baye's lawyers wonder just how strong the state's case really is.

“This case was dismissed 10 days ago because of a lack of credible evidence. We have never seen a single piece of evidence that ties him to any of the earlier fires on which he's indicted,” said Baye’s lawyer, Thomas Lesser.

Anthony Baye returns to court September 13th in Springfield. Six of the 42 charges Baye faces carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.