Farmington arson suspect held on $10,000 bail

Conrad Parent III

ROCHESTER - The Farmington man who allegedly torched an acquaintance's car igniting a nearby downtown building is being held on $10,000 cash bail after his arraignment on Monday.

Conrad Parent III, 33, who is thought to have grown up in Rochester, was charged Friday with arson after police say he started the fire and later confessed to the crime.

The blaze on Thursday spread to and damaged the Masonic Hall at 480 Main Street.

Prosecutors on Monday had asked for a $50,000 cash bail, saying Parent had told the car's owner he was going to burn his car and then did it. They also noted Parent's long list of arrests and convictions.

The Camaro was parked on a side alley within a foot of the Masonic Hall allowing the fire to spread easily, Farmington Police Chief Jay Drury said on Monday.

Parent, who said he could barely read or write, pleaded with the court for house arrest as he said his father had died recently and his mother needed him at home to care for her.

He also said that he did not remember the events that led to his arrest.

Parent is well known to Farmington Police with previous convictions for indecent exposure, criminal threatening, simple assault, drug possession and resisting arrest.

Parent will return to court later this month for a probable cause hearing to determine whether the case has enough merit to move to Strafford County Superior Court for possible indictment.