GREENFIELD — A Greenfield man accused of attempting to set fire to the Franklin County Justice Center pleaded not guilty and was held without bail on Thursday.
Marcus V. Williams, 33, of Greenfield, is being charged with attempting to burn a public building, two counts of malicious destruction of property, possession with intent to distribute a Class A drug and possession with intent to distribute a Class B drug.
Williams was arrested by the Greenfield Police Departments on June 9. According to the police logs, Williams, who is currently homeless, was apprehended on High Street in possession of Class A and Class B drugs. He was arrested on the drug charges, as well as on a warrant for his arrest for destruction of property and attempted arson of the courthouse.
On June 8, the Greenfield Police Department received a report of malicious destruction to property at the Franklin County Justice Center on Hope Street. A male party had been seen on camera the night before at around 11:40 p.m. smashing the windows of the courthouse and attempting to set a fire using gasoline.
In Franklin County Superior Court on Thursday, Williams’ attorney, Nora Leovich, entered not guilty pleas on his behalf on all five charges.
This is not the first time Williams has faced arson charges. In 2016, Williams was accused of setting his ex-girlfriend’s home on fire while she was asleep.
Williams had originally been arraigned in Greenfield District Court, where he was ordered to undergo an evaluation and was determined to be competent to stand trial, before the charges were transferred to Franklin County Superior Court. Pretrial release and bail were revoked due to a series of assault and battery charges Williams is facing in Hampshire County Superior Court.
At the request of Assistant District Attorney Matthew Thomas, and with agreement from Leovich, Franklin County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Trapani ordered that Williams be held without bail until Sept. 8, at which time a bail hearing will be held.
At the request of Leovich, Trapani also agreed to waive Williams’ fee for having Leovich serve as his legal counsel. Leovich said Williams is unemployed.
