UPDATE: Suspect in burglary-arson case pleads not guilty

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – John Roth, one of two persons arrested in connection to a Madison Co. burglary-arson case, pleaded not guilty via video arraignment at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.

John Roth

Roth and a 17-year old were arrested after police say Roth tried to pawn stolen items in Nicholasville from the burglarized home in Madison Co.

Roth will appear in court on Monday, May 16.

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5/10 10:11 p.m.

A Nicholasville man and a 17-year old have been arrested and charged in connection to a burglary-arson in Madison County on Monday, according to State Police. Investigators say they’re trying to determine if the two are responsible for a string of burglary-arson’s in central Kentucky since the end of April.

State Police say 38-year old John Roth pawned stolen items in Nicholasville from the burglarized Madison County home an hour after the reported crime. Investigators say the homeowner identified the items as stolen from the Jacks Creek Road home, which led State Police to charge Roth with Receiving Stolen Property under $10,000. He was lodged in the Jessamine County Detention Center.

Investigators say a 17-year old, whose name wasn’t released because they’re a juvenile, was detained and charged with Arson 2nd Degree and Burglary 2nd Degree in connection to the Madison County break-in, theft and fire.

State Police say the suspect vehicle, which was described as a silver or gray Chevy Cobalt or Cavalier, was found and was impounded as part of the ongoing investigation.

Investigators say they’re not necessarily looking for any other suspects, but that the investigation continues and nothing is being ruled out.

Investigators say since April 30, six homes had been broken-in to, burglarized and then set on fire. They said all of the crimes were connected. There were two homes hit in Jessamine County, and one each in Fayette, Scott, Garrard and Madison counties.

Investigators say all the crimes happened during the day. They say someone would knock on a door, if someone answered, they would make up an excuse and leave. If no one answered the door, the thief or thieves would break-in to the home, steal items and then set the house on fire.

Federal, state and local investigators have been comparing notes as they worked together to solve the crimes.

Here’s the calendar of crimes from State Police:

April 30: Jessamine County
Garrard County

May 2: Fayette County
Jessamine County

May 3: Scott County

May 9: Madison County