Alleged barn arsonist named as charges laid

POLICE have laid numerous charges against the man accused of setting a barn on fire which resulted in the death of 30 horses.

New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Boyd H. Fenton, age 32 of Athens, P.A. after a fire at a barn structure at the Tioga Downs Casino complex.

Fenton has been charged with:
Arson in the third degree, class “C” felony
Burglary in the third degree, class “D” felony
Criminal Mischief in the second, class “D” felony
Assault in the second degree, class “D” felony

While Police continue their case, the process of grieving for all connected with the lost horses and the recovery of those who cared for them begins.

The stables who lost horses, Allison Kolesar, Daniel Harvey, Edgar Clarke, Kevin Reynolds and Lee Morris will need all of the support, both emotional and financial, the harness racing community can offer.

Social media is playing a large role in the emotional component as well as providing a vehicle for the donation of both goods and money to be address these needs. Using #TiogaStrong will help to connect these efforts.

Several initiatives are already underway on Facebook for used equipment to be gathered and transported to Tioga to be made available to the affected stables.

A "Go Fund Me" account was set up early yesterday as well, and the generosity of fellow horsepersons has that total near $85,000 as this is written.

Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural pledged this morning to match up to $100,000 of the money donated via the above linked Go Fund Me account from his tracks, which include The Meadowlands and Vernon Downs.

"It's just sad and senseless that this can happen so randomly," Said Gural. "I have a farm 10 minutes away and I love my visits to Tioga for the racing and to spend time with the mares and foals at the farm.

"We're here to help and support these people who have suffered an unthinkable horror and must now rebuild their lives."