Eldred Man Charged with Arson, Reckless Endangerment
ELDRED, Pa. — James Anthony Funicello, 53, of Eldred, is facing multiple felony charges, including arson and reckless endangerment, in connection with an incident that occurred on December 7, 2025. According to court records, Funicello has been charged with nine counts, including arson-danger of death or bodily injury, arson-intent to destroy unoccupied building, and recklessly endangering another person.
The charges, filed on May 14, 2026, in Magisterial District Court 48-3-02, stem from an incident that took place in Eldred Township, McKean County. The arresting agency was the Punxsutawney Pennsylvania State Police, with Officer Andrew R. Eliason listed as the arresting officer. Funicello’s address is listed as Eldred, PA 16731.
The specific charges against Funicello include: 18 § 3301 §§ A1I, felony 1 arson-danger of death or bodily injury; 218 § 3301 §§ C1, felony 2 arson-intent to destroy unoccupied building; 318 § 3301 §§ C2, felony 2 arson-endangering property-reckless endangerment of inhabited buildings; 418 § 3301 §§ C3, felony 2 arson-intent to collect insurance; 518 § 3301 §§ D2, felony 3 reckless burning or exploding-places property having value that exceeds $5,000 or automobile, place; 618 § 3302 §§ B, felony 3 risking catastrophe; 718 § 3304 §§ A1 and 818 § 3304 §§ A1, both felony 3 criminal mischief-catastrophe; and 918 § 2705 and 1018 § 2705, both misdemeanor 2 recklessly endangering another person.
Funicello’s case is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing, with the next steps in the proceedings to be determined. The McKean County District Attorney’s Office is representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the case. As the case moves forward, Funicello is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The prosecuting authority, in this case, the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, will be responsible for presenting the evidence against Funicello.
This article was generated based on publicly available court docket information. While we strive for accuracy, the content may contain errors or omissions. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For official court records and legal guidance, please consult the appropriate court or legal professional.
