NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — One of the teenagers charged with setting a massive wildfire in Ocean County is being released from jail with an ankle monitor as he awaits trial.
The state’s motion to detain was denied by Ocean County Judge Pamela Snyder, who ordered 19-year-old Joseph Kling of Waretown to wear an ankle monitor during his pretrial release with conditions that prohibit him from leaving his parents' home unless given an exemption by the court.
“The court reviewed those conditions with you today on the record. Did you understand them, and will you comply with them?”
Kling agreed to the reviewed conditions and said he would “follow every rule set.”
Kling’s attorney requested that he be able to work during release, but because he does service calls with his father’s plumbing business, the judge denied that request since there is no set location for those service calls. He could be approved if a work site is submitted five days in advance.
Another court date was set for May 19, and Snyder told Kling a bench warrant will be issued for failure to appear. He is facing several charges, including second-degree aggravated arson.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged last week for also setting the wildfire that is now 90% contained. The two are accused of setting some pallets on fire in the woods and leaving before they were fully extinguished.