The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced charges against John Petonyak, a 46-year-old resident of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. On June 18, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Petonyak on two counts of arson.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment accuses Petonyak of setting fire to materials related to two buildings in Carlisle on August 11, 2021. The affected locations were The Gingerbread Man on S. Court House Avenue and Faye’s Kitchen on S. Hanover Street.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Carlisle Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is handling the prosecution.
If convicted, Petonyak could face up to 40 years in prison, supervised release after imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing will be determined by a judge who will consider federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations at this stage. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
