Joel Garber, formerly of Barnesville, had the arson charges against him dropped but pleaded guilty to two other charges.

The 64-year-old Mahanoy City man had a hearing before President Judge William E. Baldwin earlier this month for his sentencing. The two arson charges, arson-danger of death or bodily injury, and arson-intent to destroy unoccupied building, were withdrawn.

He pleaded guilty to risking a catastrophe, a felony, and recklessly endangering another person, a misdemeanor. He was sentenced to not less than time served nor more than 23 months, followed by six months of consecutive probation.

State Police at Frackville charged Garber on Dec. 26 with the four charges for a fire at 20 Sherwood Drive, Ryan Township.

Police say Garber said he “thinks he flicked a few (matches) while at the home. Police responded to the area of Hillside Drive and Sherwood Drive for a suspicious man walking in the middle of the road, who was later determined to be Garber.

Trooper Thomas Reese said Garber was acting “erratically” while walking and appeared to be suffering from “mental health and drug issues.”

Reese said he drove Garber to his house, leaving him in the front bedroom where state police fire marshal John Burns determined the fire was intentionally set. Reese went back to the scene less than 90 minutes later, finding smoke and fire in the bedroom.

Garber was credited with time served in the Schuylkill County Prison from Jan. 8 to June 18. He was granted immediate parole.

Regarding the second charge, he was sentenced to 12 months probation concurrent to the aforementioned.

Baldwin ordered Garber to pay the cost of prosecution, $50 monthly supervision fee, $50 to the criminal justice enhancement account, submit a DNA sample and undergo mental health and drug and alcohol evaluations and follow up with treatment.

Among his requirements are he must register with the Schuylkill County Adult Probation and Parole Department, must refrain from assaultive behavior, is not permitted to possess firearms, must take random drug tests, refrain from unlawful possession of controlled substances, and make an attempt to obtain employment, among other conditions.