The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that John Petonyak, a 46-year-old resident of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 18, 2025. Petonyak faces two counts of arson.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment accuses Petonyak of maliciously setting fire to materials related to two buildings in Carlisle on August 11, 2021. The affected properties are The Gingerbread Man on S. Court House Avenue and Faye’s Kitchen on S. Hanover Street.
The investigation into these incidents 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, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing will be determined by a judge after considering federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.