Alleged Toilet Torchers Charged with Arson

Two men were charged with setting several portable toilets on fire after an evening of drinking, prosecutors said Monday in court.

Michael Koch, 29, of Tinley Park appeared in bond court on two felony charges of arson.

Prosecutors said at around 2 a.m. June 13, after both men had been drinking, the two decided to burn down the port-o-pottie at Lewis Park, 16839 Riverside Drive, Tinley Park.

Koch allegedly torched a roll of toilet paper with a lighter. The rest of the port-o-pottie caught on fire, melting the plastic

Koch allegedly made admissions to drinking throughout the evening and then setting the plastic buildings on fire. Koch was also found to have a lighter, police said.

Neither man has a prior criminal background.

Koch’s attorney said that while the allegations were serious, the port-o-potties at both locations were in desolate areas and no one was injured.

Both men are due back in court July 7 in Bridgeview.