Accused Tent Arsonist Gets Additional Charge, Pleads Not Guilty

NAPERVILLE, IL — After turning himself in to police, the 71-year-old Naperville man who allegedly set fire to a homeless man’s tent has pleaded not guilty.

James Povolo, of the 1300 block of Dartford Court, entered the plea Tuesday in DuPage County court, according to the Chicago Tribune. He was originally charged with one count of arson, but prosecutors lodged an additional charge of criminal damage to property.

Povolo turned himself in to police the afternoon of July 26, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin.

Police say at around 2 p.m. July 18, Povolo approached the tent, which he knew to be empty at the time, and set fire to it, resulting in the total destruction of the tent and its contents. An investigation led by the Naperville Police Department led to Povolo.

“I am extremely proud of the work done by our detectives in this case, as well as the Fire Department personnel and their quick actions to get this scene under control,” said Naperville Police Chief Robert Marshall in a news release. “This fire was not only near a residential neighborhood, but also a gas station, which could have led to an even more serious incident.”

Povolo is currently free on bond.