2nd trial to begin for Va. woman accused of arsons

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) — A woman charged in an Eastern Shore arson spree is scheduled to appear in court for her second trial.

A judge ruled in April that Tonya S. Bundick can have separate trials on each of 62 arson charges.

Media outlets report that the trial scheduled to begin Monday involves a fire set March 3, 2013, in Accomack County. The trial was moved to Virginia Beach Circuit Court because of difficulty in finding impartial jurors in Accomack County.

Bundick entered an Alford plea to arson and conspiracy on the second day of her first trial in January. Those charges stemmed from an April 2013 fire in Melfa.

Co-defendant Charles R. Smith has pleaded guilty to 67 arson counts and a conspiracy charge. He’s awaiting sentencing.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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