Carlisle Man Burns Down Businesses in Arson Spree

HARRISBURG – A Carlisle man is facing up to 40 years behind bars after being charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to two local businesses in August 2021.

John Petonyak, 46, of Carlisle, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 18, 2025, with two counts of arson. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on August 11, 2021, Petonyak maliciously set fire to materials associated with two buildings in Carlisle: The Gingerbread Man, located on S. Court House Avenue; and Faye’s Kitchen, located on S. Hanover Street.

The investigation into the arson was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Carlisle Police Department; and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is handling the prosecution of the case.

Petonyak faces a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

It’s worth noting that indictments and criminal informations are only allegations, and all persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the indictment on June 18, 2025. The case is still ongoing, and further details will be released as more information becomes available.