Man Who Allegedly Set Day Care's Doors on Fire Headed to Court

Craig Werkheiser, the borough man that charred the bright red doors of the day care attached to in Nazareth, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Friday.

Two charges -- institutional vandalism and disorderly conduct -- will now head to Northampton County Court.

A third charge of recklessly endangering another person was dropped.

Werkheiser, 27, of 31 E. Chestnut St., remains free on $15,000 unsecured bail. told Werkheiser that his bail will remain the same as long as he stays out of trouble.

Werkheiser's next court date is schedule for April 19.

According to the affidavit of probable cause:

Nazareth officer Alan Koch and borough fire marshal Edward Statler responded to the church around 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 22 after being asked to photograph the charred doors. Soon after, Police Chief Thomas Trachta arrived.

Trachta was approached by Janet Kichline of 38 E. Prospect St. -- across the street from the burnt doors. Kichline said she arrived home around 2:55 a.m. and found a small fire burning in her front yard.

believe Werkheiser started the fire just before Kichline arrived home.

Trachta was then approached by an unidentified man who said the officers "should look at Craig Werkheiser." According to the man, he overheard Werkheiser saying bad things about the church at the , a bar two blocks from the church.

A few months back, according to the man, Werkheiser allegedly urinated on the church doors.

Trachta contacted Werkheiser and asked him to head to the department's headquarters for an interview. Werkheiser admitted that he set the fire after a night of heavy drinking.

Werkheiser told Trachta that he walked to the church, placed paper in the door handles, and used a lighter to set the paper on fire. He then walked home.

In addition to the doors, according to police, the fire also damaged the carpet runner and tile floor inside the church. The damage estimate was about $4,500.