From staff reports

MIDDLEBURG — A man accused of setting fire to a barn along the New Berlin Highway has been sentenced, according to a statement from Snyder County District Attorney Heath W. Brosius.

Jacob Robert Ciccolini was sentenced to 14 months to four years in state prison, followed by six years of supervision for arson, a second-degree felony.

The charges result from an incident which occurred at a farm along the New Berlin Highway on June 9, 2023 where a barn was completely destroyed by fire and some animals perished in the flames.

During the sentencing hearing by President Judge Lori Hackenberg, the victim who is also the owner of the farm gave an emotional statement and remarked “you can’t have a farm without a barn.”

She spoke of the strain of waiting on the resolution of the criminal case and expressed appreciation that Ciccolini was being sentenced to state prison. Ciccolini made no statement at sentencing.

Brosius commented “I’m grateful to the victim for enduring the long stressful process to get this case to a resolution, what she has been through is unimaginable. I also want to compliment the Pennsylvania State Police and the first responders who helped secure the scene and ensure no further property damage, we are lucky to have these professionals serving our community.”