By Matt Dinger
The Oklahoman
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — An Oklahoma Forestry Services wildland firefighter was arrested Monday in connection with wildfires intentionally set in Cherokee County.
Mike Malenski, 38, a forest ranger and employee of the state agency for seven years, is on administrative leave pending termination, Forestry Services Director George Geissler wrote in a news release.
The results of an investigation are being presented to the Cherokee County district attorney’s office, Geissler said.
Malenski was in the Cherokee County jail Monday night on a third-degree arson complaint, a jail spokesman said. Bail has not been set.
“We investigate arson, and we bring those we catch to justice. It was regrettable that it was one of our own employees,” state Forestry Services Assistant Director Mark Goeller said.
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