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Arson charges dropped against Pa. firefighter after police error

Police failed to advise Gene Peck of his Miranda rights before questioning him

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

MT. LEBANON, Pa. — State prosecutors dropped their case Wednesday against a former Mt. Lebanon firefighter accused of starting a blaze near an apartment building.

Gene Peck, 22, of Mt. Lebanon was charged with setting garbage cans on fire April 29, 2009, outside an apartment building on Overlook Drive.

Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey A. Manning tossed out Peck’s confession in July because police had failed to advise him of his Miranda rights before questioning him.

The state Attorney General’s Office handled the case because Peck is the nephew of District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr.

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