Scotia man charged with arson and burglary in Amsterdam

A Scotia man, Gerard Raboteau, 37, has been charged following a series of crimes in Amsterdam, New York. Police responded to reports of an individual looking into the windows of a closed business on East Main Street in the early morning hours of Oct. 8.

During the response, officers discovered a small fire outside a vacant building. Investigators from the Amsterdam Fire Department Arson Investigation Team determined the fire was suspicious. Police stated that Raboteau stole items from a business on East Main Street and used one of those items as an accelerant to start the fire. He is also accused of damaging a third location near the scene.

Raboteau faces multiple charges, including third-degree arson, third-degree burglary, petit larceny, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and third-degree criminal tampering. He was processed by the Amsterdam Police Department and released on an appearance ticket. The investigation remains ongoing.