Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon announced today that a 42-year-old Albany man has been formally charged for attempting to burn down a family’s home.

Jason Wells was arraigned on an indictment in front of the Honorable Roger McDonough Friday morning that charges him with Arson in the Second Degree and Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree.

On Sept. 18 at 5:55 a.m., Albany Police and Albany Fire Department personnel responded to a fire at a residence on Second Street. Albany Police later arrested Wells on the strength of an investigation that alleges he poured a liquid accelerant on the front steps of the property while a family of seven slept inside. The front steps, front door and siding were damaged during the blaze, which caused more than $2,000 in damage.

Wells pleaded not guilty Friday and was remanded to the custody of the Albany County Correctional Facility.

Assistant District Attorneys Stephen Lydon of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE.