Wheaton college student accused in fires released from jail

NORTON, Mass. — The former Wheaton College resident adviser accused of setting fires in her dorm is out of jail, despite a judge's conclusion that she is dangerous.

Janelys Pimental, 22, was released into her mother's custody, but must stay home, wear a GPS monitor, and stay away from alcohol, drugs and firearms.

Pimental is accused of setting six fires inside McIntire Hall.

She is charged with two counts of arson from fires on Dec. 2, 2018; four counts of wantonly injuring real and personal property for fires on Nov. 28, 2018, Dec. 2, 2018, Dec. 14, 2018 and Feb. 7, 2019; and six counts of vandalism for the fire incidents which occurred during the above dates.

No one was ever hurt, but the unexplained fires left students on edge for weeks.

A prosecutor said State Police investigators installed hidden cameras inside the dormitory and one of the cameras allegedly caught Pimentel starting a fire, then alerting other students.

Pimental is now facing several charges, including arson and vandalism.

>>Wheaton College student RA accused of arson fires on campus

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