Palatine man charged with helping 16-year-old set fires at apartment complex

A 19-year-old man faces charges accusing him of helping a 16-year-old set fires to the common areas of a Palatine apartment complex, police said Thursday.

Santo Marquez is charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass to property at the Ports O Call Apartments, on the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Ports O Call Drive, north of Rand Road.

The 16-year-old juvenile is expected to face charges of criminal trespass to property and criminal damage to property/fire in juvenile court, authorities said.

Police say several small fires were set between Feb. 23 and March 14, causing burn marks to carpeting, a door and drywall. Small items of clothing and other materials were set on fire, according to a news release.

Authorities say the 16-year-old was responsible for starting the fires. Police said they interviewed witnesses, leading them to the suspects.

Marquez was taken into custody Tuesday and later released on a recognizance bond. He is due in court May 9.