Arson suspect waives preliminary...

MIFFLINBURG — A Mifflinburg man accused of intentionally setting fire to his cabin waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday.Benjamin Allen Houdeshell Sr., 65, of Walbash Road, Mifflinburg, waived his rights to have the hearing in front of Mifflinburg District Judge Jeffrey Mensch. Therefore, all charges filed against Houdeshell are headed to Union County Court in Lewisburg.Houdeshell was charged with four felony counts of arson, reckless burning, criminal mischief and causing catastrophe; two misdemeanor counts of failure to control a fire and disorderly conduct and a summary count of dangerous burning.Houdeshell is accused of intentionally setting fire to his cabin at 980 Walbash Road in West Buffalo Township at 12:49 a.m. Tuesday. He claimed to have been having marital problems and said he didn't care if he put first responders in danger, police said.Houdeshell has been free since Dec. 3 when he posted $25,000 bail through Professional Bondsman Melissa Whistler. A formal arraignment is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 4 in front of county Judge Michael Piecuch. — JUSTIN STRAWSER