3 Bergen Men Charged With Arson In Insurance Fraud Scheme

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ – Three Bergen County men were charged with arson in an attempt to fraudulently collect insurance money on a home they set on fire, authorities said.

Terrence L. Philippi, 67, of Hasbrouck Heights, Sean S. Halvorsen, 25, and Zachary F. Rosario, 20 were charged after authorities determined that the men intentionally set fire to an empty Closter home Phillippi owned the morning of Oct. 10, said Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal.

The Bergen County Arson Task Force and the Closter Police Department investigated the fire and determined that Philippi, Halvorsen, and Rosario intentionally set the fire, Grewal said. The men planned to collect insurance money on the house, the prosecutor said.

The three men were charged with arson for hire, aggravated arson, and insurance fraud.

Bail was set at $250,000 for each man with no 10 percent option.

Terrence L. Philippi, 67, and Sean S. Halvorsen, 25/Bergen County Prosecutor