Woman denies torching trash cans at three Vernon Hills parks
A 28-year-old Vernon Hills woman pleaded not guilty Wednesday to arson charges accusing her of starting a series of trash can fires in three Vernon Hills-area parks.
Stephanie M. Wollar faces up to seven years in prison if found guilty on any of the seven counts of arson stemming from fires in garbage cans at Deerpath, Augusta and Kelli Garvanian parks in the fall.
She's also facing up to five years in prison if found guilty on any of seven counts of criminal damage to state supported property.
Her trial is scheduled Feb, 9.
"We are currently investigating the case," defense attorney Steve McCullom said after Wollar appeared in court Wednesday. "We will be answering the state's allegations when the investigation is completed."
Wollar was arrested at about 11:30 p.m. Nov. 15 after police say officers caught her setting fire to a bag of yard waste on the 300 block of Albany Lane, near her home in the Deerpath subdivision.
During questioning, Wollar confessed to setting seven other fires from late October to early November in park garbage cans, according to police. Wollar told police she started the fires "to relieve stress," authorities said
Total damage estimates were about $6,000, authorities said. No injuries were reported in any of the fires.
Wollar initially posted bond and was released from jail, but was arrested again Jan. 1 on charges she started another garbage can fire at Augusta Park.
She remains held in Lake County jail on $500,000 bail. Authorities said additional charges are expected as a result of the second fire.
Wollar is due back in court Jan. 29 for a case management hearing.